Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is all right. There are a number of relevant issues. The standards that need to be set will not only be about the contribution levels into an alternative pension scheme, as compared with the contribution levels into the AE scheme. This is about setting standards, which is the amendment. The Bill sets out clear instructions when it comes to contribution levels. They are always to be based on gross earnings, to be matched by the employers and to be topped up by the State. The net amount going into a person's pension pot through auto-enrolment will be transparent and easy to calculate. In contrast, contributions to other pension schemes can start from a base other than gross earnings. Sometimes the employers contribute and sometimes they do not. The tax relief applicable also plays a role. As such, to try to compare the net amount going into a person's pension pot from auto-enrolment versus a different pension scheme is a bit like comparing apples and oranges. There are different benefits in different pension schemes.

There are also issues relating to supplementary benefits, which are provided by some pension schemes. In other words, a person could have a pension built in for their partner but it may not be provided by auto-enrolment or may not be provided in the same way, for example a spousal benefit. The value of these benefits to the individual, compared with what auto-enrolment has to offer, will depend on that person's personal circumstances and earnings.

There is a range of technical issues relating to the reporting of data to the new authority. These will need to be determined with the assistance of the Revenue Commissioners and the Pensions Authority. They will require technical systems to be developed to ensure they operate as intended. I cannot accept these amendments.