Written answers

Tuesday, 2 February 2010

Department of Education and Science

Pension Provisions

12:00 pm

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 665: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the reason delays are occurring in the payment of pensions to part-time teachers, employed by vocational education committees, that retired in 2009, having had pension contributions deducted, where VECs have sought but have not received guidance from his Department on the way supplementary entitlements in respect of part-time employment are to be computed; the arrangements that he will make to ensure that such retired teachers will quickly receive all their retirement benefits, including annuities and other amounts due on foot of additional voluntary contributions which cannot be determined until VECs are given the advice they have requested; if, in view of the fact that delays in advising VECs are causing a chain reaction of delays to the persons affected, he will ensure that complete guidance is issued to all relevant authorities in respect pension entitlements related to part-time employment as teachers. [4877/10]

Photo of Batt O'KeeffeBatt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The award of superannuation benefits to retiring VEC staff is a matter in the first instance for the individual VEC concerned. In this connection, the initial award is calculated by the VEC. The payment function is performed by the appropriate local authority following receipt of the approved rates from the VEC.

In May 2008 detailed information on improvements on the way in which service and remuneration of part-time public servants is to be reckoned for superannuation purposes was issued from my Department to VECs. As a follow-up measure, in June 2008, a one-day seminar was held for relevant VEC staff to expand on the information and guidance already provided. A dedicated unit in my Department provide ongoing advice and guidance to support the VEC staff in the carrying out of their superannuation functions. Where issues emerge from VECs they are responded to in a timely manner. In addition, a working group has been established under the auspices of the Irish Vocational Education Association in which officials from my Department participate. This group facilitates the discussion of more complex part-time pension issues and the sharing of information on this topic.

The changes in superannuation of part-time staff may have added somewhat to the workload of VECs, on a short term basis. However in carrying out their functions it would be normal for the VEC to give priority to those who are retiring.

My Department has not been made aware by VECs of any specific cases where clarification from my Department is precluding them from making the superannuation awards to persons who have recently or are about to retire. If the Deputy has a particular case in mind and will provide me with the specific details, I will have the position examined promptly in the Pensions Section of my Department.

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