asked the Minister for Education when a comprehensive statement will be issued concerning a consolidated version of pension entitlements for lecturers in colleges of education engaged in the training of primary school teachers.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - College Lecturers' Pensions.
6.
A detailed statement of the present position was furnished to IFUT in an official letter of 19 Nollaig, 1983. It was also explained that in the case of the main colleges of education pension scheme a number of revised provisions have in fact been applied, where appropriate. In line with revisions introduced for primary and post-primary teachers in advance of the formal amendment of the scheme.
It is hoped to circulate a formal consolidated version of the pension scheme to the colleges of education and to staff representatives by the beginning of the next academic year.
Is the Minister aware of the frustration felt by the IFUT in regard to this matter? Is the Minister aware that for some time they have sought precise details of such a consolidated scheme from the Minister? Is the Minister aware that their frustration has led them to bring their case to the Ombudsman and that they did so because of the lack of response by the Minister, and her Department, to their legitimate demands? Is it possible to get a response earlier than September 1984, because the case has been going on for some years?
I am aware that the case is being brought before the Ombudsman. I can assure the Deputy that the Department are making every effort, having regard to the need for time consuming accuracy associated with the preparation of pension scheme drafts and the workload of the section concerned, to have the revised draft expedited.
Is it the Minister's intention that the pension scheme applicable to third level teachers will be the same as the scheme applicable to primary and post-primary teachers?
That is a separate question and I do not have that information.