Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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45. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the Pensions Board (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4225/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Legislation enacted in 2013 provides that the Pensions Council will comprise:

- A chairperson,

- One member nominated by the Minister as a representative of the Department of Social Protection,

- The Pensions Regulator (formerly called the chief executive of the Pensions Board),

- One member nominated by the Minister for Finance as a representative of the Central Bank,

- One member nominated by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform as a representative of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform,

- Not fewer than 4, and not more than 8, other members each of whom the Minister considers to have the relevant skills, specialist knowledge, experience or expertise to enable him or her to carry out his or her functions under the Pensions Act.

The recruitment process for “other members” of the Pensions Council was conducted through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) in 2014. People interested in serving as members of the Pensions Council were invited to make expressions of interest to the PAS and 56 such applications were received. These applications have been carefully considered, and appointments are imminent.

The Pensions Council will provide an opportunity for experts from the pensions sector and consumer and pensioner interests to provide collective advice, information and assistance on the development of pension policy.