Written answers

Tuesday, 4 November 2008

Department of Education and Science

School Staffing

10:00 pm

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 489: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his views on introducing a cost-neutral early retirement scheme for teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37974/08]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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A Cost Neutral Early Retirement Scheme is currently in operation for teachers.

The scheme, which is effective from 1 April 2004, provides teachers aged 50 years or over (55 in the case of new entrants to the public service, ie public servants whose employment commenced on or after 1 April 2004 or who returned to public service employment after that date following an interruption of more than 26 weeks) with the option of an immediate cost-neutral early retirement pension and lump sum on resignation.

The cost-neutral early retirement benefits are actuarially reduced to take account of the early payment of the lump sum and the longer period over which pension would be paid. Schools and vocational education committees were informed of the scheme by circular letters issued in May 2005.

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 491: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the cost of the early retirement scheme for teachers in 2006 and 2007; the cost per teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37976/08]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The full year cost in the 2006 and 2007 financial years of benefits for those who retired under the Early Retirement Scheme for teachers was €54.1 million and €66.7 million respectively. This amount includes the cost of benefits paid in each financial year to those who retired in that year together with the ongoing pension costs for those who had retired under the scheme in previous years.

The cost of benefits awarded on retirement is influenced by the amount of actual service already accrued together with any added service that may be awarded and the salary and allowances of the individual teacher. The average annual rate of pension in 2007 was of the order of €30,000 while the retirement gratuity would be of the order of €90,000

These figures relate to teacher retirements from primary, secondary, community

Question No. 492 answered with Question No. 457.

Question No. 493 answered with Question No. 128.

Question Nos. 494 to 496, inclusive, answered with Question No. 457.

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