Vol. 440 No. 3
98 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, being made in protecting the superannuation entitlements of public servants or teachers who work abroad as APSO volunteers to encourage experienced people; his views on whether it is essential to arrange a reduction of fund contributions while abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
One of the commitments on Development Co-operation contained in the Programme for a Partnership Government is that the social welfare rights and educational entitlements of volunteers would be safeguarded. I regard it as important that development workers should not be penalised because they choose to work for a period in a developing country. My colleague, Minister of State Joan Burton has been active on this issue and I am pleased at the introduction of the Social Welfare No. 2 Bill 1993 which puts in place arrangements extending full social welfare cover to returned volunteers.
In this context the superannuation entitlements of APSO volunteers are a most important consideration. This matter is the subject of ongoing discussions between my Department and APSO and with other Government Departments. I am hopeful that progress will be made on this matter in the coming months.
