Pensions Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 February 2014

Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Ceisteanna (135)

Eoghan Murphy

Ceist:

135. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Taoiseach if he has considered the establishment of a junior Minister with special responsibilities for pensions, as in the UK, to tie together the disparate departmental elements across finance, social protection, health and public expenditure and reform that are responsible for pensions, in view of the looming pension crisis, the complexity of pension arrangements here, the need for ongoing changes and reforms in the pensions sector and difficulties being experienced by private pension arrangements. [4909/14]

Freagraí scríofa

The Taoiseach

The appointment of a Minister of State is a matter for the Government under the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1977. The Department of Social Protection has lead responsibility for pensions policy. However, given that it is an issue with broad implications, including across a number of Government Departments, there is an Ad Hoc Ministerial Group on Pensions, similar to a Cabinet Committee and which I chair, which ensures broad consideration of pensions policy and related issues as required.