Vol. 483 No. 3
424 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the uptake of the early retirement package which is available to teachers from his Department; the reason the scheme has not been fully taken-up in view of the rush of applicants for an earlier scheme; the proposals, if any, he has to make the scheme more attractive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20588/97]
The scheme of early retirement, under which teachers may apply to retire before reaching the usual retirement thresholds, was negotiated with the teachers' unions and school management representatives under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work. The scheme is a voluntary one and provides for the early retirement of up to 400 teachers per year. The scheme was notified to schools generally in June 1997 and applications were invited. The number of applications received, 185, was much below the annual quota provided for.
In view of this, and at the request of the teacher unions, my Department invited further applications for early retirement in October 1997. Sixty-three further applications have been received and these are being processed.
Early retirement under the scheme agreed is available to three categories of teachers. These are: those in posts which are surplus to requirements; those with not less than 15 years service who are consistently experiencing professional difficulties in their teaching duties; and those who have reached the age of 55, have at least 20 years service and whose school management verifies that their retirement would provide an opportunity to enhance the education service provided by the school.
It has been agreed that the scheme will operate on a pilot basis pending review in the light of the report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions.
