asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware that, for service covering a similar period of years, the pensions awarded to national school teachers are considerably lower than those awarded to pensioners retiring from State and local authority services, and whether, in view of this, and having regard to the small number of teachers who attained retiring age on 31st December, 1946, and to the similarly small number who will attain this age by 31st December, 1947, he will permit such teachers to continue to serve until 31st December, 1947, so that, in consequence of such additional service, their pensions may be raised to a more satisfactory level.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Teachers' Pensions.
The pensions of national school teachers are fixed in relation to the salary attained and the length of service given by them in national schools.
I am not aware that the comparison instituted by the Deputy is borne out by facts.
Teachers who will be due to retire under the age rule on 31st December next will have had 14 months' salary on the new scales, and under a superannuation scheme now in preparation their pensions will be based on the average salary for the three years ending on 31st December, 1947, and not for the three years ended on 31st March, 1947. In the circumstances, I regret that I am unable to agree to a further extension of service in the case of these teachers.