asked the Minister for Education if he is aware that the secondary teachers' pension scheme is voluntary; and why the tribunal have recommended that it be compulsory in view of the fact that it compares most unfavourably with pension schemes operated by insurance companies.

I am aware that membership of the secondary teachers' superannuation scheme is voluntary. I do not accept the suggestion that it compares most unfavourably with pension schemes operated by insurance companies.

The tribunal has not recommended that the common pension scheme, which they propose for all teachers in future, be compulsory for existing secondary teachers.

24.

asked the Minister for Education if he will state, with regard to the secondary teachers' pension scheme where the school pays 5 per cent of the £200 official basic and the teacher pays 5 per cent of his incremental salary, what percentage the State pays.

The secondary teachers' superannuation scheme does not provide for the contribution of a fixed percentage to the secondary teachers pension fund from State sources. The fund was established in 1929 under the scheme and State contributions amounting to a total of £21,349 have been made to the fund from time to time to help to meet liabilities. An actuarial assessment has disclosed that an overall contribution of about 15 per cent would be necessary to meet secondary teachers' pensions and gratuities. Hence the State's contribution is in the region of 10 per cent.