asked the Minister for Education if he will state (1) the number of women teachers who were obliged to retire on pension at the age of 60 since the new regulation governing the retiral of women teachers came into force; and (2) the number of such teachers who did not receive full pensions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retiral of Women Teachers.
(1) I assume the Deputy refers to the regulation which has been operative since 1st October, 1938, requiring women teachers of a specified minimum length of service to retire before reaching the age of 65 years. From the date mentioned up to and including 31st December, 1944, this regulation applied to women teachers as from the date on which they reached 60 years of age or completed 35 years' service, whichever was the later. As from 1st January, 1945, the regulation was modified so as to apply to those reaching 61 years of age or completing 36 years' service, whichever was the later. The present regulation, operative since 1st January, 1946, permits women teachers to serve until they reach 62 years of age or complete 37 years' service, whichever is the later. Cases of hardship receive special consideration but, of course, whenever retention beyond the age of 60 is being considered efficiency of service has to be taken into account. On this assumption the answer to Part I of the Deputy's question is that, for the period from 1st October, 1938, to 28th February, 1946, inclusive, 788 women teachers retired under the operation of the rule. It is to be observed, however, that prior to October, 1938, when women teachers giving efficient service were permitted to serve up to 65 years of age, there were always numbers of teachers who retired voluntarily before reaching that age. The figure of 788 must, therefore, be regarded as including a certain number of women teachers who would have retired voluntarily before the age of 65.
(2) Of the 788 teachers in question 645 had less than 40 years' service on the date of retirement and, accordingly, did not receive the maximum pension.