asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that all national teachers retiring on or after Ist January, 1950, have received gratuities and pensions based on the average of their last three years' salary; and if he will state if provision is now being made by which the gratuities and pensions of all such teachers and teachers who will retire in the future will be based on their final year's salary; and, if so, when arrears of such extra awards are likely to be made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teachers' Gratuities and Pensions.
It is correct that national teachers retiring on or after the 1st January, 1950, have in accordance with the terms of the national teachers' superannuation schemes operative at the time of their retirement, received lump sums and pensions or gratuities, based on the average of their last three years'salary. Under the National Teachers' Superannuation (Amendment) Scheme, 1953, teachers who retire after 30th December, 1951, and in whose case the conditions laid down in that scheme are fulfilled, are entitled to receive superannuation awards calculated by reference to their retiring salary as defined in the scheme.
It is hoped that the balance of lump sum or gratuity due to such teachers under the revised calculation will be paid before the end of the present month and that arrears of pension where due will be paid before Christmas.