634. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 430 of 24 June 2025, the way in which the person can access their retirement pension entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30955/26]

In response to the Deputy, I can confirm that where a teacher has left service and has not subsequently returned to any public service employment, having completed a minimum of two years’ qualifying service is entitled to preserved pension on the service accrued, this is payable on reaching the preserved pension age.

The preserved pension age is 60 years in the case of a person whose public service employment commenced prior to 1 April 2004, and 65 years in the case of a person who is a new entrant and 66 for members of the single pension scheme.

In the case referred to by the Deputy, the individual concerned is a member of two public service pension schemes. This arose due to a break in pensionable public service of more than six months, which resulted in the individual becoming a member of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme on re-entry to service.

He is classed as a new entrant on the legacy pension scheme, in which he is eligible to apply for payment of preserved pension benefits on reaching age 65, and as a member of the single scheme he is eligible to apply for payment of preserved pension benefits on reaching age 66.

I can further confirm that the teacher concerned also has pensionable service with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB). This service may either be claimed separately from the relevant ETB when the appropriate pension age is reached, or, subject to the applicable scheme rules, may be transferred to the Department’s legacy pension scheme and aggregated with the teacher’s other pensionable service.

A Cost Neutral Early Retirement (CNER) may be an option however the member has to be currently in service and a member of a public service pension scheme and applied through their current employer.

A teacher who has left service is required to apply for payment of preserved benefits. Such an application should be made at least three months in advance of reaching the preserved pension age. Application forms and further guidance are available on the Department’s website. [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education]