Vol. 552 No. 1
469 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if, in the context of the Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2002, insurance brokers will have a representative on the new extended board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10985/02]
In the Pensions (Amendment) Act, 2002, which was enacted last week, I provided for a representative of consumer interests and a representative of pensioner interests to be added to the Pensions Board. The board will now comprise a chairperson and 16 members.
The two new appointees will be additional to the current five nominees from the pensions industry, four from the social partners, a representative of the Minister, a representative of the Minister for Finance and three nominees of the Minister. On the 5 April I appointed Mr. Michael O'Haloran, chief executive of the Irish Senior's Citizen's Parliament, to the board. I intend to appoint a consumer representative in the near future.
In the context of the passage of the Bill, I considered the various representations that were made to me in regard to other interested groups being members of the board and I am satisfied with the new arrangements.
