asked the Minister for Finance the number of (a) State-sponsored and (b) private occupational pension schemes in operation in the Republic; and the number of men and women covered by such schemes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pension Schemes.
34.
While I have no statutory function in relation to a number of the pension schemes which are operating in State-sponsored bodies it appears, on the basis of information currently available, that there are some 75 schemes in operation.
Information as to the number of men and women who are members of these schemes is not readily available but if the Deputy puts down a question in this regard in a month's time I should be able to furnish the information required in relation to schemes where I have a statutory function.
I have no function in relation to private occupational pension schemes and I am not in a position to supply the information required.
May I ask the Minister how he can reconcile his reference to having no statutory function in relation to these schemes with the fact that the Revenue Commissioners have to approve these schemes? That is my understanding. Am I incorrect?
Do I take it that the Deputy is referring to private occupational pension schemes or to State bodies schemes?
State bodies.
In regard to the State bodies schemes I have not got a statutory function. Perhaps I might take the CIE pensions scheme as an example with which most Deputies are familiar. The Minister for Transport and Power has the statutory function in relation to that scheme. I think what the Deputy has in mind relates primarily to private occupational pensions schemes.
Has the Minister any co-ordinating function? Does he or do his Department or the Revenue Commissioners attempt in any way to influence or co-ordinate these schemes?
No, except in so far as the schemes, in order to qualify for the statutory benefits for which they may qualify, must conform to the norms laid down in the Finance Act.
There is no other pressure to harmonise them?
No.
I thought there was.
35.
asked the Minister for Finance the number of (a) State-sponsored and (b) private occupational pension schemes which encompass transferability of benefits; and the number of men and women in the Republic who enjoy this benefit.
The pension schemes of 32 State-sponsored bodies encompass transferability of benefits. Information as to the number of men and women who have benefited from the transfer of pension rights is not readily available but if the Deputy puts down a question in relation to this matter in a month's time, I should be in a position to supply the figures sought.
I have no function in relation to private occupational pension schemes and I am not in a position to supply the information requested.