350 Deputy John Cregan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if a permanent part-time employee employed at a vocational education committee second level college who paid widow’s and orphan’s contributions and superannuation during the course of their employment has, on retirement, an entitlement to a pension; if the duration of the employment has a bearing on same; and if it is deemed that there is no pension entitlement, can this employee receive a refund of contributions made. [18664/10]

Superannuation schemes in Vocational Educational Committees are administered by each Vocational Educational Committee, while my Department has responsibility for the regulation of these schemes. In order to have an entitlement to superannuation benefits at retirement a member must have 2 years of scheme membership. Where a member has less than 2 years service a refund of contributions less tax at the standard rate may be made. On retirement members are entitled to claim a gratuity and an annual pension both of which are calculated based on the amount of pensionable service and pensionable remuneration at retirement.