Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 2

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Joan Burton

Question:

140 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he has examined the report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions and specifically the recommendations with regard to the pensions of second level teachers, and the report by the working group; and his plans to implement the proposals of the working group, in particular proposals for the change in the standard retirement age for new entrants to teaching, and the removal of the current right of teachers to retire between the ages of 55 and 60 after 35 years of service. [29466/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The issue of retirement age and early retirement was examined by the Commission on Public Service Pensions and, as the Deputy is aware, the commission made a number of proposals in this regard regarding teachers and others in the public service. The Government accepted the commission's report in principle in September 2001, and also decided to establish a joint working group with the public services committee of ICTU to examine and report on the implementation of the commission's recommendations. The working group has reported and I have been considering the contents of its report. In this context, I assure the Deputy I am aware of the views of the teachers unions.