Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

515. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware that teachers who return to Ireland from teaching abroad find that there is no scheme for repaying public sector pension contributions (details supplied); and the steps she will take to review the situation ensuring that teachers returning from abroad have the ability to contribute to their Irish pension. [48286/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There is currently no provision under the public service pension schemes to reckon teaching service provided abroad for pension purposes.

Public service pay and conditions, including pension arrangements, are determined through centralised engagement and collective bargaining between the Government and public service unions.

However, serving teachers who are members of the pre-existing legacy public pension schemes may have the option to purchase additional service, known as notional service, in accordance with the rules of their respective pension scheme. This allows eligible members to enhance their pension benefits by making additional contributions. Further information on the Notional Service Purchase Scheme is available at the following link:

For teachers who are members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, typically those who entered public service on or after 1 January 2013, there is similarly no provision to reckon overseas service. However, vested members of the Single Scheme may purchase additional retirement benefits, known as referable amounts. This facility is governed by Circular 15/2019 and allows members to purchase additional pension and lump benefits by way of lump sum payments. Further details are available from the Single Scheme website .