Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 566: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the pension entitlement of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford under the scheme for primary school caretaking staff employed under the 1979 scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11381/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In 2006 I introduced, with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance, pension arrangements for caretaking staff employed under the 1979 scheme. These arrangements provide that membership of the superannuation scheme will be effective from 1 September 2001 in the case of eligible caretakers in service at that time. The pension scheme will be a contributory, defined benefit scheme and will provide standard public service pension benefits.

Deduction of ongoing contributions commenced from eligible personnel with effect from 7 March 2006. Arrears of contributions are payable in respect of the period from 1 September 2001 to the date ongoing deductions commenced, or, the date membership ended if earlier. In accordance with standard public service arrangements, there is provision for reckoning service given prior to 1 September 2001 subject to verification of the service concerned and payment of appropriate contributions.

The person in question is currently in service and paying pension contributions. A statement of reckonable service, contributions payable in respect of arrears and prior service and benefits that will accrue in being prepared in my Department. This will issue directly to the person concerned as soon as all the details are finalised.