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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 3

Written Answers - Pension Provisions.

Ivan Yates

Question:

165 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason retired teachers have not received the pay increase granted since November 1997; and the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that these pension revisions will be made as soon as possible. [27087/98]

Arrears of pension are due to some retired teachers in accordance with the terms of the PCW agreement and Partnership 2000. In order to calculate how much is due under Partnership 2000, it is first necessary to complete the calculation of how much is due under the PCW agreement.

The PCW agreement is a complex one and in order to cope with implementation of its provisions, including paying pension arrears, my Department has taken on additional staff, both permanent and temporary.

The pace of the work of payment has, however, been affected by the fact that normal retirements, which reached a record level in 1997, have continued to occur at the same high level — almost 50 per cent higher than in 1996. The work has also been delayed by the amount of queries which are received on a daily basis regarding the benefits of the PCW agreement and regarding superannuation generally.

With regard to the outstanding arrears, the position is that a dedicated group of staff are working full-time with a view to making outstanding payments to retired teachers before Christmas. Where it is not possible to complete the work of calculating the amounts due before Christmas, my Department will make payments on account to the retired teachers concerned.

I should add that, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, I am providing additional moneys in the current year to enable retired teachers to receive their December payment before Christmas. The December pension payments in 1998, including arrears and payments on account of arrears, will be issued on 21 December.

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