asked the Minister for Education if a further option to join can be given to those who opted out in 1969 and 1971 of the teachers' widows and children pension scheme, 1969; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

The terms of the spouses and children's pension schemes as is the case with such schemes in the public service generally, do not allow of teachers who opted not to join the schemes in 1969 and 1971 being given a further option to join.

There are no proposals for an amendment of the scheme in this respect. Any such proposal would have to be considered in the context of the arrangements applicable to all public servants.