Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 February 2014
124. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that the pensions council which is to be established to advise on pensions policy includes representation from trade unions, older people's organisations and a representative tasked with advocating for the interests of deferred members. [9801/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013 provided for the establishment of a new unincorporated body called the Pensions Council.
The Pensions Council will comprise:
- a chairperson;
- a representative of the Minister for Social Protection;
- the Pensions Regulator;
- a representative of the Central Bank;
- a representative of the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform;
- and up to 8 other members representing the interests of stakeholders with a particular focus on consumer representation.
The 8 positions will be advertised through the Public Appointments System and will be open to people with experience in the pensions and consumer area. I expect that all members of the Council will have the relevant skills, specialist knowledge, experience or expertise to enable them to carry out their functions under the Pensions Act.
