The statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department of Social Protection are the Citizens Information Board, the Pensions Board, the Pensions Ombudsman and the Social Welfare Tribunal. No body under the aegis of the Department has been amalgamated or abolished in 2012. The Public Service Reform Programme provides for a critical review of the Pensions Board with a view to integrating the regulatory functions of the Pensions Board with the Financial Regulator. The Public Service Reform Programme also provides for a critical review of the Pensions Ombudsman with a view to a merger with the Financial Services Ombudsman. The Critical Review Group, established to carry out the reviews announced under the Public Service Reform Programme, is finalising a draft report with recommendations. The report will identify any potential savings arising from such an amalgamation. I expect to receive the final report from the Group in the very near future. Following receipt of this report, decisions in relation to reform, including legislation changes required, if any, will be taken.
