Monica Barnes
Question:33 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will make a statement on the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2001 published during the summer period. [26864/01]
Vol. 543 No. 3
33 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will make a statement on the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2001 published during the summer period. [26864/01]
153 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the progress being made to establish a pensions ombudsman; and if future legislation on pensions will include a look back period to avoid undue hardship for pensioners. [27054/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 153 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, I successfully introduced the Second Stage of the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2001 to the Seanad on 4 October. As I indicated at the time of publication in July, I welcomed comments and reaction to the Bill and stated that these would be considered in detail during the passage of the Bill. The deadline for receipt of comments was the end of September and there has been a considerable response, which is not unusual given the size, scope and technical nature of this legislation. All the responses will be examined by my Department in consultation with the Pensions Board and the various bodies, with a view to bringing forward any required amendments at Committee Stage. A positive aspect was that there was broad cross party support for the proposals during the Second Stage debate in the Seanad.