Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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862. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department expects retired teachers to actively seek employment given that is a requirement of jobseekers' benefit; if not, if there is an issue which may be addressed by (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19821/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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A coordinated pension is one where an occupational pension is coordinated with social welfare entitlements. Retired teachers with a coordinated pension are required to apply for their relevant social welfare benefits including illness benefit, jobseeker’s benefit, state pension etc.

The rules governing eligibility for supplementary pension require a member to be in receipt of an occupational pension under the relevant scheme and for reasons outside of his or her control, ineligible for a Social Welfare Benefit or for benefit at a reduced rate.

The Deputy may be aware that this approach to coordinated and supplementary pensions is not exclusive to pension schemes in my Department but also applies to other areas within the public service. It should also be noted that in general it is a matter for Department of Social Protection to determine the requirements in order to avail any social welfare entitlements.