Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 578: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the current date that figures are available, the number of active members in the superannuation scheme for teachers by primary and post primary teacher; the number of members with deferred rights; the number of retired personnel in receipt of payments; the number of dependants in receipt of dependant payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7638/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On 5th February 2010 there were 35,705 active members of the Primary School Teachers Pension Scheme and 23,847 active members of the Secondary, Community and Comprehensive School Teachers Pension Scheme. The figures include permanent, temporary whole-time, part-time and substitute teachers.

On the 5th February, 2010 there were 11,147 retired Primary Teaches in receipt of pension payment and 7,802 retired Secondary, Community and Comprehensive School Teachers in receipt of pension. In addition 884 dependent spouses and 173 dependent children of deceased primary teachers were in receipt of pension. A total of 517 dependent spouses and 126 dependent children of deceased Secondary, Community and Comprehensive School Teachers were also in receipt of pension.

Figures for the number of members, of the above mentioned schemes, with deferred pension rights are not readily available. My department has recently commenced an exercise with a view to quantifying the numbers involved however this task is expected to take some time to reach completion.

The figures for post-primary teachers do not include VEC teachers where the retirements and pension awards are made by the relevant VEC.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 579: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the estimated amount to be paid by teachers in pension contributions in the calendar year 2010 by primary and post primary teachers; the estimated amount of expenditure on payment of pensions in 2010; the average pension in payment from the scheme anticipated for 2010; the contribution rates by employees and by his Department as employer in respect of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7639/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will arrange for the details being requested by the deputy to be forwarded to him.

The pension scheme for first and second level teachers are unfunded defined benefit schemes. There is no pension fund nor are contributions by teachers invested. Like many other public sector pension schemes, the teachers schemes operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. Pension contributions are credited as appropriations to the Vote for the Department of Education and Science in the year in which they are received. The cost of pensions in payment during the year is met from current revenue through monies voted by the Oireachtas.

There are no explicit Employer contributions. The pension contribution rate paid by teachers while in employment is related to the PRSI category into which the teacher falls. A teacher liable for PRSI at the modified rate (Class D rate) pays a pension contribution of 5% of pay towards his/her own benefits and, where a member of the associated Spouses and Children's Pension Scheme scheme, an additional 1.5% towards that scheme. A teacher liable for full-rate (Class A) RPSI pays a pension contribution of 1.5% of pay plus 3.5% of net pensionable pay, (i.e pay reduced by twice the personal rate of State Pension Contributory), towards his/her own benefits and, where a member of the associated Spouses and Children's Pension Scheme scheme, an additional 1.5% towards that scheme.