83. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason a person who has worked as a special needs assistant for many years can now contact her Department to enquire about their pension entitlements, given that the previously available dedicated pension phone line has been discontinued; the reason this phone line was removed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46119/26]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Pension Unit phone line remains operational and has never been discontinued at any stage. The contact number is 090-6484189.

The phones are monitored daily from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and from 2:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Fridays.