Committee Reports > List of Committees > Dáil > 1979 > Committee of Public Accounts > Report - Appropriation Accounts 1976

APPENDIX 12

SECONDARY EDUCATION—OVERPAYMENTS OF TEACHERS’ SALARIES

S. Uas. Ó Faoláin,

Secretary,

Public Accounts Committee,

Teach Laighean,

Baile Átha Cliath 2.

In the course of my examination before the Public Accounts Committee on 23 November, 1978 I undertook to inform you of the position as to the recovery of sums of money from teachers who, during the period 1 January, 1975 to 31 July 1976, were paid full salary while on maternity leave and who were also entitled to social welfare benefits in respect of the periods in question.

Owing to the concentration of staff time on the computerisation of secondary teachers’ salaries, action in regard to the recovery of the payments in question has not yet been concluded. The computerisation has now been completed and the recovery operation being given full priority. I will write to you again as soon as possible.

D. Ó Laoghaire,

Oifigeach Cuntasaíochta,

An Roinn Oideachais.

22 Feabhra, 1979.

S. Uas. Ó Faoláin,

Secretary,

Public Accounts Committee,

Teach Laighean,

Baile Átha Cliath 2.

I refer to my minute of 22nd February 1979 about the recovery of monies paid to certain teachers in secondary, comprehensive and community schools who were paid full salary while on maternity leave and who were also entitled to social welfare benefits in respect of the periods in question. This matter was raised during my examination before the Public Accounts Committee on 23rd November, 1978.

The teachers concerned and the periods of absence involved have been identified and the Chief State Solicitor has been consulted as to the recovery procedure which might be followed. He has recommended that, as a first step, letters should be issued to the teachers concerned asking them to refund to this Department sums equivalent to the amounts of social welfare benefit paid to them (it will be necessary for them to furnish statements for the Department of Social Welfare certifying these amounts). This Department intends to issue the letters as soon as postal service becomes available.

In the event of failure to recover the monies in this way the further steps to be taken will be considered. Some of the persons concerned have left the teaching service, and one has died.

I will write to you again as to progress in the matter.

D. Ó Laoghaire,

Oifigeach Cuntasaíochta,

An Roinn Oideachais.

13 Márta, 1979.