Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 137: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he will take on foot of the issues highlighted in the Pension's Ombudsman's 2006 annual report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26291/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department is in regular contact with the Pensions Ombudsman in relation to changes to the Pensions Act he feels are necessary to deal with issues which have come to his attention in the course of his investigations or where he feels his powers to investigate particular problems are not adequate. In this regard, a number of changes have already been made to the Pensions Act at the request of the Pensions Ombudsman and the Department is at present considering a number of further suggestions from him which, if considered appropriate, will be included in Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2008.

In his annual report for 2006, the Pensions Ombudsman has drawn attention to a range of issues including pension scheme design, communications, investment arrangements, use of discretionary powers by trustees, etc. and I would urge pension providers and others to study his comments and, where appropriate, to amend their administrative practises.

The Pensions Ombudsman also pointed to difficulties in a number of Government Departments and I have been in touch with the appropriate Ministers requesting them to examine the issues raised to ensure that administrative practises are in accordance with the Pension Act.