Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Trustees must notify in writing the scheme members, any persons receiving benefits from the scheme and the trade union or representative groups representing scheme members before they make an application to reduce benefits to the Pensions Authority. Once notified, the scheme members or those representing the scheme members are entitled to make written submissions to the Pensions Authority which will consider any submission prior to making a direction. Groups representing the interests of pensioners and deferred scheme members have a right to appeal a direction by the Pensions Authority to the High Court on a point of law, which rarely takes place. I remind the Senator we have had that discussion previously. Earlier this year, the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection approved measures to facilitate engagement between the trustees of a pension scheme and groups representing the interests of pensioner and deferred scheme members.

Recently measures have been created and guidance has been provided for trustees. There is a need for further engagement with trustees and maybe assistance and guidance. I accept that we must and should keep this matter under review. If current mechanisms prove that they are inefficient or incapable of dealing with the matter then we may look at introducing an appeals mechanism, as proposed by the Senator. At this stage I do not accept the amendment but I shall ask my officials to constantly keep this matter under review. If it is felt necessary, at a later stage, or it becomes apparent that there is a need to have such an appeals mechanism, then we will come back to the Senator. I reassure him that we will keep this matter under constant review. I thank him for highlighting the matter and making the argument for same.