Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022
502. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection , further to Parliamentary Question No. 122 of 22 March, the status of her Department's consideration of the recommendations made by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands in its February 2022 response to the Report of the Commission on Pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24629/22]
View answer503. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of her Department's response and implementation plan for the October 2021 report by the Pensions Commission; when she expects to bring the plan before Cabinet; the Departments or agencies that her Department is consulting with on the development of the plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24630/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 502 and 503 together.
The Pensions Commission’s Report was published in October 2021 and it contained almost 250 pages of analysis, consideration and recommendations. The Commission's Report established that the current State Pensions system is not sustainable into the future and it has set out a recommended approach for Government.
In the interests both of older people and future generations of older people, the Government is considering the comprehensive and far reaching recommendations in the Pensions Commission’s Report very carefully and holistically. My officials are examining each of the recommendations and consulting across Government through the Cabinet Committee system. The views of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and the Commission on Taxation and Welfare are being considered as part of these deliberations. Following detailed consideration of all of this in the round, I intend bringing a recommended response and implementation plan to Government in the coming weeks.
It is clear from the Pensions Commission’s work that State Pension reform is necessary and it is complex. It would be a strategic risk not to plan and provide for projected demographic changes, not least in terms of income adequacy for older people. As the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland, the State Pension is very effective at ensuring that our pensioners do not experience poverty. This Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case for current pensioners, those nearing State Pension age and today’s young workers.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
