Mary Flaherty
Question:50 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Social Welfare when he proposes to introduce regulations to amend the Pensions Act so as to provide for unisex annuity rates in pension schemes.
Written Answers. - Pension Schemes.
Chapter VII of the Pensions Act, 1990, which I brought in provides for equal treatment for men and women in occupational benefit schemes. Chapter VII came into force on 1 January 1993 and provides inter alia that there shall be no discrimination between men and women as regards: access to the scheme; contribution arrangements; benefits available; or retirement ages.
Section 69 of the Pensions Act permits the use of separate actuarial tables in conformity with current European Union directives and Protocols. In calculating annuity rates in pension schemes the normal practice in the pension industry is to use separate acturial tables for men and women.
The issue as to whether the use of unisex actuarial tables in occupational pension schemes is in accordance with the provisions of Article 119 of the EC Treaty on Equal Pay has been referred to the European Court of Justice in a number of specific cases. The judgment in the last of these cases is expected shortly.
Following this judgment its implications for the introduction of unisex acturial tables will be examined by the Pensions Board and I will consider whether any amendment to the Pensions Act is required to comply with its terms.