Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Education and Science, in respect of the average annual cost of a primary school teacher as being €60,000 per annum, as per her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 418 of 5 April 2007, the capital cost in today's money values of 40 years service and an average pension of 25 years after retirement including the retirement lump sum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28470/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Based on a constant average annual salary of €60,000 over a forty year teaching career, the cumulative gross salary of a teacher would amount to €2.400 million in today's money. The gross superannuation costs calculated on this same salary on a constant basis over a subsequent 25 year retirement period would amount to €0.840 million inclusive of €90,000 in respect of retirement gratuity. The superannuation costs are those applicable in the case of a person who pays modified class D rate PRSI through out his/her employment and whose occupational pension on retirement is not integrated with social welfare benefits. The corresponding costs in the case of a person who pays full rate, Class A, PRSI and whose benefits are integrated with social welfare benefits would be €2.965 million, comprising €2.400 million salary and €0.565 million superannuation inclusive of €90,000 in respect of retirement gratuity.

I would again point out that the salary and superannuation costs of a teacher depend on a number of factors, including the particular allowances held during the teachers career and in particular in the years preceding retirement. Life expectancy in retirement would also impact on the superannuation costs.