Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 6

Written Answers. - Pension Provisions.

Michael Ring

Question:

325 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason she did not answer Parliamentary Question No. 127 of 12 June 2003 in full, in view of the fact she has responsibility for the Pensions Board; and if she will now provide a full and detailed reply in relation to all the queries raised in the question asked. [17201/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan):

The Pensions Board is a statutory body which is financed by fees payable by occupational pension schemes. The main functions of the board are to supervise the operation of the Pensions Act and to advise on matters relating to pensions generally.

The board's chief executive is responsible, under the Pensions Act, for carrying on, managing and generally controlling the administration and business of the board. The annual accounts of the board are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General and the board also prepares an annual report which is laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.

In the circumstances, I do not think it appropriate or necessary that the details of the board's conduct of its business should be subject to the approval of my Department. As I indicated previously I have full confidence in the board and its management to conduct its business in a professional and effective way.

The Pensions Board will, within the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act, be happy to deal with any request for detailed information from the Deputy in relation to the meeting it held to review its overall strategy.