Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

One of the most important policy challenges facing this country and this generation is the foundation for the future retirement in security and with dignity of all of our people. There is no quick fix for the problem that almost half the country's workforce of 2 million people do not have personal pensions. Ireland is not unique in having a future pensions problem. All around the world, governments and societies are grappling with the impending crisis of a population structure in which older people far outnumber younger workers. Ireland's response to the challenges and opportunities posed by this rapid social, economic and demographic change will influence the future shape of our society for decades to come.

The national pensions review, which was published on 17 January, is a comprehensive review of our pensions system, including the appropriateness of the targets we have set for ourselves and how we might make progress towards these in the future. Reforms are required if we are to reach our targets and the debate is about how we will do this. The Pensions Board has recommended enhancements to the existing voluntary system as the way forward. We may, however, need to consider much more radical measures, including a mandatory or quasi-mandatory system. This gives rise to some fundamental issues which, as a society, we need to debate.

For that reason, I intend, with the co-operation of the Pensions Board, to convene a national forum to debate the central issues and to hear the view of all stakeholders on the way forward. Planning for the forum is advancing and, subject to the availability of keynote speakers, I hope it will take place within the next two months. I will invite public representatives, social partners, industry representatives and those representing the interests of pensioners. While the main purpose of the forum is to hear the views of stakeholders on the conclusions of the national pensions review, I also intend to invite speakers to outline major reforms proposed or undertaken in other countries.

The Government and I will continue to show leadership and to keep pensions firmly on the national agenda. In time, the Government will reach conclusions on the various proposals and seek to achieve consensus on how best to lay down the foundation for the future retirement security that we want all to enjoy. I hope the proposed forum will help us in that process.

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