Finian McGrath
Ceist:103 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the maximum assistance and support will be provided to second level teachers in relation to their pensions; and his views on a query from ASTI (details supplied). [25976/03]
Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.
The query from ASTI mentioned by the Deputy deals with the recommendations of the report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions which relate to second level teachers.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government accepted the commission's report, in principle, in September 2001. The Government also decided to establish a joint working group with the public services committee of ICTU to examine and report on the implementation of the commission's recommendations. The working group has now reported. At present I am considering the recommendations of the pensions commission and the report of the working group with a view to drawing up proposals for implementation of appropriate pension reforms. I have noted the points made in the letter from ASTI, brought to my attention by the Deputy, and will bear them in mind in considering the matter.