Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of regulatory impact assessments that have been carried out by her Department in the past twelve months and the list of regulatory impact assessments carried out within her Department in the past twelve months. [57766/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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My Department carried out one regulatory impact analysis (RIA) in the past 12 months in relation to the proposed changes to defined benefit pension schemes included in the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012.

The RIA was split into two parts: Part 1 dealt with the changes to the defined benefit model and in particular the proposal to introduce a risk reserve into the funding standard; Part 2 dealt with the re-introduction of the Funding Standard. The RIA was developed following a consultation that took place on changes in defined benefit pension provision and it included the views expressed during the consultation process.

The RIA was published on the Department’s website and made available to all Deputies in advance of the publication of the Bill.

RIAs are normally used within the Department where significant legislative changes are proposed, rather than smaller changes to existing social welfare schemes which may take place each year. Examples in recent years include:

- The Citizens Information Bill in 2006,

- Retirement Annuity Contracts in 2007,

- Amendments to the provisions for Supplementary Welfare Allowance 2007,

- Implementation of proposals on trusteeship in 2008.