John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1239: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny is entitled to opt out of payment of widows and orphans contribution made through their salary to his Department; if they are entitled to reclaim the contributions made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33739/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Revised Spouses and Children's Pension Scheme was introduced in 2005 following a Government decision. Teachers who were members of the main pension scheme at any time between 31 March 2004 and 31 August 2005 were given the option of joining the revised scheme or of retaining their present status, either as members of the Original Spouses' and Children's Scheme or remaining outside such schemes.

The person to whom the Deputy refers was provided with details of the revised scheme and a personalised option form. She returned the option form within the option period in which she opted for membership of the revised scheme. In signing the option form the person confirmed that she had read the circular and was opting for the revised scheme. Accordingly, she exercised a valid option to join the revised Spouses' and Children's Pension Scheme for Secondary Teachers and it is not possible to revoke it.