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Pensions Reform

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 November 2020

Wednesday, 18 November 2020

Questions (113, 114, 115, 117, 122, 125)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

113. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will include representatives from organisations (details supplied) on the newly established Pensions Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37123/20]

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Michael Lowry

Question:

114. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Social Protection if representatives from organisations (details supplied) will be included on the proposed Pensions Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37152/20]

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Brendan Griffin

Question:

115. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on allowing persons (details supplied) impacted by pension changes to be represented on the Pensions Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37161/20]

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Joan Collins

Question:

117. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if representatives from organisations (details supplied) will be included on the Pensions Commission. [37169/20]

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Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

122. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if organisations (details supplied) will be allowed to be represented on the Pensions Commission for which she is responsible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37289/20]

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Gary Gannon

Question:

125. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to calls from an organisation (details supplied) for representation of civic society organisations on the Pensions Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37380/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 to 115, inclusive, 117, 122 and 125 together.

I am pleased that the Government approved the establishment of the Commission on Pensions in fulfilment of the Programme for Government commitment.

As the Deputies will be aware, I announced on Budget Day that the planned increase in the State pension age from January of next year will be deferred, in line with our Programme for Government commitment. In this regard, it will remain at 66 years pending the report of the Pensions Commission and I will introduce legislation shortly to give effect to this.

The Commission's Terms of Reference includes the examination of sustainability and eligibility issues with the State Pension and the Social Insurance Fund. More broadly, it will also consider the issue of retirement ages in employment contracts and consider how the pension system can further accommodate carers, who are predominantly women.

The membership of the Commission, approved by Government, reflects the need to have subject matter experts to deal with the complex social and public policy issues arising in pensions, as well as stakeholder representation which will keep the work of the Commission grounded. This includes representation of workers, employers, civil society, academics and those with technical and policy expertise. In this regard, the membership also includes those with involvement in organisations supporting older people.

The Government was keen to ensure that the Commission had strong female membership in its membership, and five of the nine members of the Commission appointed directly by the Government are women. It will be chaired by Ms. Josephine Feehily. I am satisfied that the Commission, with its gender-balanced membership and extensive experience of social and public policy, will be keenly aware of the gender dimension of pensions policy and delivery and will bring this perspective to bear in its work.

The Commission will also engage with a range of key stakeholders to ensure that it has a genuine understanding of not only the fiscal sustainability challenges involved, but also the associated social sustainability challenges of implementing potential policy reforms. The exact mechanisms for this engagement will be shaped by the Chair and by Commission members.

It should be noted that while this Government is acutely conscious of the need to consider the sustainability of the State's finances, this is not the only consideration when thinking of the State pension age. The State Pension is the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland. It is extremely effective at ensuring that our pensioners do not experience poverty. The Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case.

In line with the Programme for Government, the Commission will report to Government by 30 June of next year and the Government will take action having regard to the recommendations of the Commission within 6 months.

Further details of the Commission's membership and terms of reference are available on the Departmental website at: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/b1c64-minister-humphreys-announces-the-establishment-of-the-pensions-commission/

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.

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