Michael Smith
Question:188 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Education the changes, if any, she proposes to make in the service requirements for the voluntary retirement scheme for teachers. [20040/96]
Written Answers. - Teachers' Voluntary Retirement Scheme.
Proposals on early retirement were made to the three teacher unions last February involving teaching service requirements of 15 to 20 years, depending on the circumstances. These proposals were accepted by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation but rejected by the two post-primary teacher unions.
In May 1996 the teacher unions and school management representatives accepted my offer to appoint a facilitator to assist in addressing the issues related to the non-acceptance by the two post-primary teacher unions of the proposals. The facilitator was asked to address the issues within the cost parameters of the existing proposals and consistent with the terms of the Programme for Competitiveness and Work pay agreement. Discussions are ongoing and in the circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this stage.