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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jun 1973

Vol. 266 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Pension Schemes.

30.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will prepare a White Paper on the question of national pension schemes with a view to the introduction of a comprehensive occupational pension scheme which, together with the State retirement pension scheme, would provide an income amounting to two thirds of earnings at retirement and also that such schemes would provide for full transferability.

As I stated in reply to a question from Deputy Briscoe on 5th June, 1973, one of my priorities in regard to social policy is the introduction of a comprehensive social security system covering all citizens and that in moving towards this objective all relevant matters, including the question of a national pension scheme would receive careful consideration. I have no plans at this stage to publish a White Paper in the matter but it is my intention to keep the public informed of all developments in regard to social policy.

Is the Minister aware that private firms are in a position to have their own private pension schemes which are complementary and supplementary to the State pensions? Some associations and firms, such as the typographical society have such schemes.

That is so not alone in respect of members of a trade union but there are industrial pensions as well given in total or contributed to by employees. I have not made up my mind definitely on this yet. The Department, probably in the Deputy's time, received a deputation from a group calling themselves the Irish Association of Pension Funds and they say they represent all organisations administering from between 60 to 80 per cent of such funds. I would be very interested in their view on such a scheme. I am informed they will submit proposals to my Department in the autumn and these will be considered in conjunction with the trade unions as well.

I am sure the Minister is aware that the big decision should be taken whether such a scheme should be made compulsory or allowed to be voluntary as it is at the moment.

This is the burning question at the moment.

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