Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the time-frame envisaged for completion of the public consultation on pension reform and acting on any policy proposals that emerge. [26270/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Green Paper on pensions policy was published on the 17th October and a major consultation process in relation to future pensions policy is now underway. Following the completion of the consultation process the Government is to respond to the views expressed by publishing a framework for future policy.

Pensions is one of the major issues the country must tackle for the future and any decision taken at this stage will impact on society for decades to come. Given the importance of the issue, I am anxious to ensure that the consultation process is as inclusive as possible and that people have ample time to study the Green Paper and to formulate their ideas and comments. Therefore, I intend to leave it open until mid-2008. Once the consultation process is completed, work on developing the framework for future policy will commence. At this stage, it would be my intention to see this work completed and proposals submitted to the Government for consideration.