Vol. 537 No. 1
56 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he shares the concerns of pensioners of the Ford Ireland Contributory Pension Fund and other private sector pension funds relating to the change to ownership, treatment of pension surplus and the indexation of retirement benefits; and if he will address these concerning forthcoming legislation. [15271/01]
I am aware of the concerns of this group and have received a large number of representations on their behalf.
In the context of the forthcoming Pensions Bill, I am considering reports from the Pensions Board on these issues – namely the indexation of pensions in payment, the establishment of a pensions ombudsman and the treatment of surpluses when pensions schemes wind up, and the Bill will provide for legislative changes in these areas.
However, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to disclose the precise details in advance of publication of the Bill, which is planned the end of June.
