Vol. 574 No. 2
218 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to retain the early retirement scheme for teachers; if he proposes to make changes to this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26683/03]
219 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to change the capacity to retire from teaching between ages 55 and 60 after 35 years' service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26684/03]
220 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to increase the standard retirement age for new entrants to teaching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26685/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 to 220, inclusive, together.
The age at which public servants, including teachers, should retire and the early retirement provisions available to certain categories of public servants, including teachers, were among the matters considered by the Commission on Public Service Pensions. The Government accepted the report of the commission in principle in September 2001 and 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 completed its work and has recently reported. The recommendations of the pensions commission and the report of the working group are being considered by my colleague, the Minister for Finance, who has overall responsibility for public service pensions policy. Pending the outcome of those considerations, there will be no change in the age limits for retirement nor in the early retirement provisions applicable to certain categories of public servants.
