Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if there are Ministers who are currently receiving payment from her Department for teaching posts which they have vacated; the names of the Ministers; the number of years for which they have not been working as teachers; the cost to her Department in each instance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22257/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A special arrangement regarding the retention of their teaching posts operates for teachers who are members of the Oireachtas. The terms of the arrangement provide that a teacher in a recognised primary or second level school whilst a member of the Oireachtas can retain their teaching post subject to the approval of the managerial authority.

Teaching salary is paid to the Oireachtas member for the duration of the arrangement but the total cost of the replacement teacher including pension and PRSI contributions is deducted from the salary. The arrangement allows that the balance of salary if any remaining after the deductions have been made may be paid to the Oireachtas member. A number of Oireachtas members do not accept any balance of salary that may be payable. I will be in contact with the Deputy regarding the information requested by him.