asked the Minister for Finance if in view of the very small number of teachers concerned he will take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that recognition for pension purposes under the Civil Service Superannuation Acts is given to teachers of Irish under the Gaelic League or vocational education committees.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Teachers of Irish: Recognition for Pension Purposes.
In the case of persons who served as teachers or organisers of Irish under the Gaelic League, and who subsequently took up teaching posts in the teaching services under the Department of Education, various provisions have from time to time been made by or under statute to enable the service as teacher or organiser under the Gaelic League to be reckoned, subject to certain conditions, as pensionable teaching service. Pensionable teaching service (including any period of service under the Gaelic League which is recognised as pensionable teaching service) may also be reckoned, subject to certain conditions, for the purposes of pension and other awards under the Civil Service Superannuation Acts where a teacher is appointed to certain posts in the Civil Service. Service as a vocational teacher (including any pensionable service as Gaelic League teacher or organiser) reckons for the purposes of the Civil Service Superannuation Acts subject to the fulfilment of the conditions prescribed by the Local Government (Superannuation) Acts, 1948 and 1956. It will be seen, therefore, that a measure of recognition has already been accorded to the cases referred to by the Deputy.
Is the Minister aware that a number of these teachers came into the Civil Service as a result of a competitive examination? Their period of service with the Gaelic League or with vocational education committees is not, however, recognised. Does the Minister consider that fair treatment for people who kept the Irish language alive at a time when it was very important to do so?
What the Deputy says may be true in certain cases, but it is a very complex question which, I am afraid, would have to be debated at some time. It is a matter which can hardly be dealt with by way of question and answer.
Could the Minister, offhand, give me the number of civil servants to whom my question would apply?
Surely that is a separate question.
I should require notice of that question.
They number only six or seven. They feel—rightly, I think—that they are not getting a square deal. They do not feel victimised but they feel that they are not getting a square deal in view of the very good service they gave to the State in days gone by.