asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position with regard to proposals for a national pension plan which were at an advanced stage of preparation in 1982; when it is hoped to launch this plan; and the type of benefits proposed.
Written Answers. - National Pension Plan.
130.
In keeping with the commitment in the programme for Government a framework for a national pension plan is being drawn up and a considerable amount of preparatory work has been done.
Recently the Government approved the setting up of a National Pensions Board which will have the task of advising on all aspects of occupational pension schemes, including funding and financial security, disclosure of information, transferability of pension rights and general monitoring of scheme performance. The board will also advise the Minister on the question of providing earningsrelated pensions for all employees and in particular the potential of occupational pension schemes in that regard.
Proposals for the development of pensions provision will be published in the framework which will take account of the deliberations of the board which is representative of the various interest groups involved, including employers, trade unions and the pensions industry.