Dáil Éireann debate - Thursday, 17 Oct 1991

Written Answers. - Pension Funds Entitlements.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

48 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether single persons have equal rights to married persons in relation to entitlements to pension funds in the State, semi-State, and private sectors; if not, the reason; if he will outline the degree to which the relevant regulatory authority supervises such funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

With the exception of survivors benefits, there is no material evidence of discrimination between single and married persons under occupational pension schemes. Generally married and single persons have similar rights in relation to eligibility for membership of schemes, members' contributions, personal benefit entitlements and retirement ages.

It is a feature of many occupational schemes that a contingent survivors pension is payable to the spouse of a married person in the event of his/her death while in service or in retirement. Such benefits are not available in the event of the death of a single person.

Part VII of the Pensions Act 1990 which I introduced last year requires occupational pension schemes to apply the principle of equal treatment to men and women. The Act implies that there shall be no discrimination on the basis of sex, either direct or indirect, in particular by reference to marital and family status in the scope of and conditions of access to schemes, benefit rights and contribution levels. It is my intention to bring forward regulations shortly to implement the equal treatment requirements of the Pensions Act.

In addition, the Act aims to regulate occupational pension schemes and to protect the interest of scheme members by setting standards which schemes will have to meet. The Act lays down minimum standards in relation to such matters as preservation of benefits, solvency levels, disclosure of information to scheme members and trustee responibilities.

A new regulatory body — the pensions board — has been established to monitor the development of occupational pension schemes and their compliance with the new legislation.