262. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Youth to confirm that a teacher (details below) has the 34 years of service as a teacher to qualify for voluntary early retirement; whether their query form 1 application for a statement of retirement benefits could be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52359/26]

I wish to inform the Deputy that an official from the Pensions Unit of my department has recently contacted the person concerned to discuss their retirement options. An updated statement of retirement benefits has also issued. I understand the person concerned based on the information available to my department, is eligible to retire in October this year.