Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014
321. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the previous provision with regard to a right of pensioner representation in pensions legislation; when this was removed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6755/14]
View answerThere has been no changes made to the Pensions Act regarding the representation rights of pensioners.
It is normal practice for my officials to engage with representatives of stakeholders in relation to any substantial change to the Pensions Act. The consultation process which preceded the publication of the Social Welfare and Pensions (No. 2) Bill, 2013 included engagement with representatives of pensioners, the pensions industry, employers and trade unions. Written submissions were also sought from these stakeholder groups.
Any scheme seeking to restructure pension scheme benefits under section 50 of the Pensions Act must comply with the provisions in the Pensions Act and with guidance issued by the Pensions Board. This guidance makes provision for the notification of all scheme members, including pensioners, in advance of any application to the Pensions Board. In such circumstances, each member has at least one month to make a submission to the trustees of the scheme in relation to such a proposal. The Pensions Board must be satisfied that all the provisions in the guidance are complied with before the Board will consider issuing a notice to restructure scheme benefits.
The matter of representation by pensioner groups in consideration of a change to scheme benefits might also be considered in a broader industrial relations context. This is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and I have referred this matter to him for consideration.
