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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Jun 1999

Vol. 507 No. 1

Written Answers. - Pension Scheme.

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

89 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason deferred pension scheme members are not represented on any of the State bodies responsible for the governance of pensions. [16183/99]

The Pensions Board, established under the Pensions Act 1990, is the statutory agency, under the aegis of my Department, charged with monitoring and supervising the operation of the Pensions Act and advising the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs on all relevant pension matters.

The method of nominating people to the board is set down in the Pensions Act, 1990, as amended by the Pensions (Amendment) Act, 1996. The Pensions Board is a representative body, comprising a chairperson and fourteen ordinary members. This is the maximum number of members allowed under current legislation. While all members are appointed by the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs under the provisions of the Pension Act, as amended, the board must comprise representatives nominated by trade unions, employers, the Government, the pensions industry, member trustees and professional groups involved with occupational schemes.

Members can serve for a maximum period of five years from 21 December 1995. The term of office of all members will expire on 20 December 2000.

I consider that the composition of the board successfully reflects the balance of interests between the pension scheme members, employers, trustees and the industry generally.

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