Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details on the implementation of the National Pensions Framework [15406/10]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 659: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of the implementation of the National Pensions Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15647/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 659 together.

The recently published National Pensions Framework is the Government's plan for future pension reform. It encompasses all aspects of pensions, from social welfare to private occupational pensions and public sector pension reform. Development of the framework was informed by the range of views raised during the comprehensive consultation process which followed publication of the Green Paper on Pensions. The aim of the framework is to deliver security, equity, choice and clarity for the individual, the employer and the State. It also aims to increase pension coverage, particularly among low to middle income groups and to ensure that State support for pensions is equitable and sustainable.

A technical implementation group is now being established to develop the legislative, regulatory and administrative infrastructure required to put the reforms into operation and the group will hold its first meeting in early May. The implementation phase is expected to take three to five years. In line with the Government decision, the group will be chaired by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and it will include representatives from the Department of An Taoiseach, the Department of Finance, the Pensions Board and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.

The implementation group will be cognisant of the current and emerging economic condition and will conduct extensive consultation on the many aspects of the framework before presenting final options to Government for decision. The group will develop a communications strategy to ensure that all stakeholders and interested parties are kept informed of the progress being made in implementing the framework.