Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 2002

Vol. 547 No. 3

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

442 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science the arrangements in place for teachers who have worked for a period in Northern Ireland and are now teaching here to have pension entitlements for the Northern Ireland service transferred or recognised for pension purposes here; if no such arrangements exist, when they will be put in place; if such arrangements are proposed under an EU directive or advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3675/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

There are no provisions at present under which teaching service given in Northern Ireland by teachers now working here may be reckoned in this jurisdiction for pension purposes. A working group, consisting of representatives of the Northern Ireland Department of Education and of representatives of my Department and of the Department of Finance, established in the context of North-South co-operation, is examining the question of reciprocal arrangements for the transfer of pension rights between the respective jurisdictions, including the UK generally. There are complex technical and financial issues involved which require careful and detailed consideration by the working group. It is expected the group will report later this year. Any proposals emanating from the group's work for an equitable reciprocal transfer arrangement will then be given full consideration.

I am not aware of any arrangements proposed under EU directives or any advice from the EU on such transfers.