I regret it is necessary to take up the time of the House on an issue that should not have to come before the House — that is, the most unsatisfactory position of Irish missionaries particularly in African countries over many years. We are proud to be associated with the tremendous commitment of Irish missionary efforts. As one who has had two uncles in the Irish Christian Brothers who taught in South America I had the opportunity to visit the area and see some of the work. Also in a number of African countries I witnessed the commitment, dedication and vocation of these men and women to teaching those in need of their services.
After giving a life's commitment to that work they cannot obtain their full entitlements under the pension scheme, despite their understandable belief that this would not be the situation. It is unacceptable that, for a small number of dedicated Irish teachers who went abroad and gave of their time in underdeveloped countries in Africa, there is a threat to their full pension entitlements. I hope the Minister will inform the House that the matter will be fully addressed and that these missionary teachers will not be at a disadvantage. They risked life and limb and the potential of contracting various tropical diseases was enormous. This is deplorable. In terms of costs it is not a matter of any great significance.
What action is proposed? There is incremental salary recognition for these teachers but they wish to purchase back pension rights, under a special scheme where a 6.5 per cent rate has been established. To facilitate those who remained teaching in Ireland at the time and who had not joined a voluntary pension scheme, there will be no pensionable recognition from the African Government. Based on the information that has come to hand these teachers should be given the opportunity to purchase those years for pension purposes at the same favourable rate. I sincerely hope the Minister can give a commitment to address this human and unacceptable anomaly which has arisen for those who have served in difficult circumstances and would be justified in receiving the full pension entitlement. I trust the Minister will give full recognition for that period and that the teachers' pension rights will be fully honoured.