John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The issue of pensions is a regular feature at the Joint Committee on Employment Affairs and Social Protection. In the short time available I want to refer specifically to the issue of defined benefit pension schemes, with which the Taoiseach will be familiar. When he was Minister for Social Protection, he indicated that he would introduce legislation. That legislation was brought forward and on the last Dáil sitting day in July last year was passed on Second Stage. At that stage it was incomplete and the Minister indicated the she would bring forward further proposals on defined benefit pension schemes on Committee Stage, but that has not happened.

In the interim, members of Irish Life have been informed that their defined benefit scheme, which is in surplus, will close on 30 June. What are the Government's proposals for defined benefit contributions? When will they be dealt with in the legislation? I have specifically mentioned Irish Life. Will the matter be dealt with before the closure of the Irish Life defined benefit scheme on 30 June of this year?