Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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113. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if later contributions are calculable for pension purposes in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2703/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned is a member of the Superannuation (Education) Scheme, a pension scheme for certain non-teaching staff in primary and post primary schools, and is in receipt of pension benefits from my Department, in respect of service as a special needs assistant, which became payable in 2012.

The employee concerned returned to work as a special needs assistant, following her retirement, and has accrued a very small amount of service in the Superannuation (Education) Scheme.

With effect from September 2013, following a break in public pensionable service in excess of 26 weeks, the employee became a member of the Single Pension Scheme, as provided for under the Public Services Pensions (Single Scheme and other provisions) Act 2012 and has accrued further service in this Scheme.

Officials in my Pension Unit of the Department will contact the employee concerned to discuss a refund of contributions from the Superannuation (Education) Scheme as she has no further entitlement under this Scheme. With regard to the Single Scheme membership the employee is entitled to a refund of contributions to this scheme or alternatively, may wish to continue to accrue service in the Scheme in respect of future public sector employment. It should be noted the vesting period, ie the period required to qualify for retirement benefits, in the Single Scheme is two years.