1217. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the incremental credit that a primary teacher post-1995 has received for work abroad can be superannuated on retirement for pension purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56131/26]

Officials from Pension Unit have been in contact with Mr. Caesar regarding this matter.

Circular Letter 14/95 sets out the conditions under which public servants who undertake voluntary service in developing countries may have that service recognised as pensionable. However, these provisions apply only to service completed on or after 1 January 1995.

The service referred to by Mr. Caesar falls outside the scope of Circular Letter 14/95, as it was completed prior to the introduction of the circular in 1995 and is therefore not covered by its provisions.

We regret that this is not the outcome the individual had hoped for. However, Pension Unit is required to operate within rules set out in the circular.