Beverley Flynn
Question:119 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers which have been approved for a disability pension from his Department on the grounds of job related stress. [18946/04]
View answerThursday, 24 June 2004
Questions (119, 120, 121)
Beverley Flynn
Question:120 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers that have been approved for disability pensions by his Department; and the illness or disabilities that have been cited as the reason for approval. [18947/04]
View answerBeverley Flynn
Question:121 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers which have been seen by the occupational consultant (details supplied); the number of teachers which have been approved by same for a disability pension. [18948/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 to 121, inclusive, together.
Statistics regarding the numbers of disability pensions awarded to teachers by my Department are maintained on a calendar year basis. In 2003, the numbers of disability pensions awarded came to 122, whereas 132 were awarded in 2002.
The information sought by the Deputy regarding the specific illnesses or disabilities which have given rise to the award of disability pensions and regarding the numbers of cases in respect of which the opinion of a particular occupational health consultant has been sought, is maintained by the office of the chief medical officer for the Civil Service. My Department will contact the office of the chief medical officer in this regard and will communicate separately with the Deputy in the matter.
I should add that disability pensions are awarded where my Department is satisfied that the teacher in question is incapable of performing his or her duties by reason of permanent infirmity of mind or body. All applications by teachers for a disability pension must be assessed by the chief medical officer for the Civil Service. It is open to the chief medical officer to make a recommendation to my Department on the basis of the application or to seek a second opinion.