Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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283. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a mechanism or his plans to introduce a mechanism to enable teachers to revert to their original pension status later in their career in view of the fact that under circular 07-2013 the status of a second level teacher's pension will change if the teacher ceases teaching for more than 26 weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35170/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, as provided for in the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 came into effect from 1 January 2013. 

There are no plans to introduce a mechanism to enable teachers to revert to their original pension status if they become members of the single pension scheme following a break of more than 26 weeks as the scheme is provided for by legislation.

The circular to which the Deputy refers outlines the broad terms and benefits of the Single Pension Scheme. It details how teachers and special needs assistants employed in a pensionable post on or after the 31st December 2012 will remain in their pre-existing pension schemes. However, if their employment ceases, then any subsequent rehiring would be on a Single Scheme membership basis, unless such rehiring takes place within 26 weeks of leaving the previous post.  Approved absences such as maternity leave and career breaks are not regarded as a break in service for this purpose.