asked the Minister for Education why payment of arrears to retired teachers is postponed to the new year, even though it was passed last August.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Retired Teachers' Arrears.
103.
There are about 4,000 pensioned national teachers concerned and the re-calculation of the pension payable in every case involved a large amount of work. When it became apparent that this work would not be completed in time a payment on account was made at the end of November. It is hoped that in any case where there is an outstanding balance this will be paid about the end of January next.
Surely the Parliamentary Secretary will agree that this was passed last August and it is a bit much to be waiting from August until December? Will he give an assurance to the House that they will be paid by the end of January?
I have just given that assurance and I could give the Deputy good and cogent reasons why they have not been paid up to this point.