Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in proposing new legislation in the area of pension reform in view of the acknowledged future expected revenue shortfall to fund pensions; his views on whether the need for legislation as soon as possible is vital; the length of time the public consultation process is expected to last; when he expects to introduce new legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28895/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In the decades ahead, Ireland will face the same challenges in relation to pensions and other age related costs as many of our EU neighbours are facing at present. However, as a country, we are fortunate that our demographic position will remain favourable for sometime yet. This allows us time to review our situation and to decide on an appropriate course of action which will be affordable in the long-term and which will deliver adequate retirement incomes for all people.

There are widely differing views in relation to how the pensions system should develop and there is no doubt that developing a system that will command broad acceptance across society will not be easy. Accordingly, with the publication of the Green Paper, I have initiated a consultation process, which I want to be as inclusive as possible. Given the complex nature of the subject it is important that people have ample time to consider the issues and to formulate their ideas and comments. Therefore, the consultation process will remain open until mid-2008.

Following the completion of the consultation process, a framework for long-term policy will be developed and I would expect this to be finalised by the end of next year. Whether the framework will involve publishing actual legislation, or an outline of a proposed scheme, will depend on the conclusions reached at the end of the current process and the extent of the reform being proposed.