Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills how the education system will survive the exit of many teachers in February 2012; and if it is possible to extend the redundancy plan until 2012 to facilitate pupils and schools. [29874/11]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (No. 2) Act 2009 provided for a reduction in the remuneration of public servants. Section 3 provided that the reduction in pay would be disregarded in the calculation of pension entitlements for any person who left service before the end of 2010 or a later date specified by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The Public Service Pension Rights Order 2011 (S.I. No. 80 of 2011) sets 29 February 2012 as the later date. I am not empowered to extend this date which is of general application across the public service.

My Department is conscious of the potential impact of teachers retiring on State examination classes in post-primary schools. It is intended to issue information to schools on re-employing such teachers for the remainder of the school year where this is considered necessary to reduce that impact.