Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps being taken to improve the level of knowledge regarding the typical value of supplementary pensions and the profile of pension members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25934/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The profile of pension members is provided by regular CSO surveys on pension coverage, which are part of the Quarterly National Household Survey. Results were published in 2006 in respect of Quarter 4 2005, and another coverage survey can be expected in 2009. Further information on the relationship between employer characteristics (detailed sector, size of employer, etc.) and pension coverage can be expected from the 2008 National Employment Survey in 2009 or 2010.

While pension coverage statistics are available from various sources, information on the typical value of supplementary pensions is less well developed. Pension levels depend on the type of coverage (i.e., whether the scheme or pension plan is defined benefit or defined contribution). For defined contribution pensions, benefits can be affected by a range of risks, including investment and longevity risks. Contribution levels are a crucial determinant of final pension levels for these schemes, and research provided by CSO for the Pensions Green Paper puts average contribution rates to Personal Retirement Savings Accounts at 10.5 per cent of income. There are, of course, concerns that this level of contributions is not adequate to meet the aim in the Programme for Government to secure a retirement income from all sources of at least 50% of pre-retirement earnings. Average contribution rates to occupational defined contribution schemes are broadly similar. In addition, information on incomes of current pensioners is outlined in the Pensions Green Paper, including a breakdown of the sources of these incomes.