Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses who have attended. I also thank Deputy Bríd Smith for bringing forward this legislation. I am aware that we are going into our second year of waiting for progress on this legislation. The frustration of all the witnesses with their individual circumstances or cases is clear, particularly in relation to pension cuts and changes to pension income, in which they have had no hand, act or say. Ms Sweeney spoke about 2015 and Mr. Collins spoke about 2022 in the context of not being brought into the consultation.

I also want to pick up in something Mr. Foley said about process and procedure. I want to break it down a little because I think about this in terms of information.

What information do the witnesses get about their pension benefit? The second point, as regards engagement and consultation, has been touched upon already. The third point is about having a say and the last point is about the right of appeal. What information is given to the witnesses when there are changes to their pensions, or on an annual basis? Trustees have to prepare an annual report every year. Is there any information regarding the trustees' investment strategy or where the benefit is? There is a three-year actuarial review but from my experience of working in a trade union, the level of information given to both contributors and beneficiaries is quite poor. I would like to hear the witnesses' experience about the information they get.