Vol. 511 No. 1
178 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that three children (details supplied) have received their portion of the widow's and orphan's pension; the results of the special commission set up in October 1998 to examine the case; the cost of making the payment; the amount due to the children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23725/99]
The children in question were born some years after their father retired from service as a national teacher.
The position regarding the payment of children's pension is that the spouses and children's pension scheme in the case of national teachers specifically excludes from benefit children born after a teacher's retirement. A revised scheme, which will provide for benefits in the case of children born after retirement, amongst other matters, is currently being negotiated under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for teachers but, in accordance with the terms of Partnership 2000, the negotiations cannot be concluded until the report of the Commission on public service pensions can be considered. The report is expected to be available in the early part of next year.
In the meantime, in anticipation of the necessary revision being made, the Department of Finance has, at the request of my Department, consented to an amendment being made to the original scheme to cater for the current case and any similar cases that might arise.
The details regarding payment of the children's pension in the case in question are now being worked on. As all of the children in this case are over 16, documentation has been sought in order to confirm that two of the children are in full-time education and, in the case of one child who is over 22, to confirm the nature of her illness. Payment, including arrears due since the father's death in December 1997, will be made as soon as the necessary documentation has been received.
Assuming that the three children are eligible, the annual cost of the children's pension will be £8,820.36 at current rates.
