Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 3

Written Answers. - School Secretaries' Pensions.

Tony Gregory

Question:

211 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the pension entitlements of persons employed as school secretaries funded by grant assistance from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12481/02]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

In the case of primary and secondary schools, my Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services under two separate schemes. One scheme is the 1978-79 scheme for the employment of school secretaries in primary and secondary schools, and caretakers in primary schools. Under that scheme my Department meets the full cost of salary. Since 1985, pension scheme arrangements have applied to secretaries employed under this scheme.

The question of introducing a pension scheme for caretakers employed under this scheme was also explored in 1985 but, at that time, it was considered that the high age profile of caretakers rendered the introduction of a pension scheme impractical. However, my Department is currently re-examining the feasibility of putting a pension scheme for these caretakers in place.

The 1978-79 scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created. It has been superseded by a more extensive school support grant scheme towards the funding of ancillary services in schools such as caretaking and secretarial. The scheme, by its nature, is flexible and gives schools discretion as to the manner in which caretaking and secretarial services are provided. Secretaries and caretakers employed by schools are employees of the individual schools and my Department does not have any role regarding how they are employed. Such individualised arrangements preclude a central superannuation scheme. At second level, pension scheme provisions apply in the VEC, community and comprehensive sectors for secretaries and caretakers.