The figures sought by the Deputy are set out in the following tabular statement.
The early retirement scheme for teachers is voluntary. It is open to teachers to apply for early retirement under three strands. Strand one is available to teachers who are experiencing professional difficulties. Strand two is available to teachers aged 55 or more who have difficulty in adapting to change, while strand three is available in the case of teachers who are surplus to requirements.
Applications under strand one and strand two of the scheme are processed by an early retirement advisory committee – ERAC – which makes recommendations to my Department. ERAC has four members: an independent chairperson, one nominee of the teachers' unions, one nominee of the school management bodies and one member representing my Department and the Department of Finance.