asked the Minister for Finance whether he will state (1) the number of ex-teachers of National Schools on the Free State roll of pensioned teachers on the 31st March, 1928, who retired on or before the 31st March, 1900; (2) the number of ex-teachers of National Schools (a) whose annual pensions on 31st March, 1928, were less than £10, (b) the number whose pensions were from £10 to £20, (c) from £20 to £30, (d) from £30 to £40, and (e) from £40 to £50 respectively; (3) whether it is intended to introduce proposals for legislation similar to the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1924, of Great Britain, and, if so, whether he can state the number of retired teachers who would benefit thereby and the approximate annual cost to the Exchequer.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - PENSIONED TEACHERS.
The main portion of the answer takes the form of a tabular statement and I propose to circulate it in the Official Report.
The answer is as follows:—The number of National School teachers who retired on or before the 31st March, 1900, and were in receipt of pensions on the 31st March, 1928, is 45.
The number of retired National School teachers who, on the 31st March, 1928, were in receipt of pensions of the amounts mentioned are
|
Ordinary Pensions. |
Disablement Pensions. |
Total |
|
|
Less than £10 a year |
Nil. |
10 |
10 |
|
£10 and under £20 a year |
8 |
73 |
81 |
|
£20 and under £30 a year |
51 |
46 |
97 |
|
£30 and under £40 a year |
91 |
36 |
127 |
|
£40 and under £50 a year |
128 |
35 |
163 |
|
TOTAL |
278 |
200 |
478 |
A large number of these pensioners are in receipt of old age pensions, the increase to which they were entitled under the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1920, and Section 6 of the Superannuation Act, 1923, having been reduced in many cases in order that they might be granted larger old age pensions, and so receive the largest possible income from the two pensions. Furthermore, many of the disablement pensioners retired under the Rules of 1897, and were awarded lump sums, and, in addition, small pensions which were subsequently commuted. The pensions of which these pensioners are at present in receipt were granted under the Rules of 1914, and are in addition to those previously awarded and commuted.
As regards the concluding part of the question, it is not intended to introduce proposals for legislation similar to the Pensions (Increase) Act, 1924, passed by the British Parliament.