It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the practice of "integration" whereby occupational pension schemes take the State old age contributory-retirement pension into account in designing the overall benefit promise being made by the scheme. I should point out that by operating integration, an employer may be able to provide a retired person with an earnings-related pension which might otherwise not be possible.
At the outset, I would stress that in considering any issue relating to occupational pension schemes, one has to take into account that such schemes are voluntary arrangements between an employer and employees. However, where such occupational schemes exist, I consider they should operate on a sound basis from the perspective of the pensioner and I have made it quite clear since I became Minister that I expect the significant increases in the old age pension which have been introduced by this Government to be passed on in full to pensioners.