Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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44. To ask the Minister for Social Protection to outline plans for a universal second-pillar pension system, including the timetable for its introduction. [11639/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The last Government established a Universal Retirement Savings Group (URSG) to proceed with work to develop a roadmap and timeline for the introduction of a universal supplementary workplace retirement saving system. The Group was asked to consider the constituent factors involved in constructing an efficient and effective model for such a system. The Group comprises of Assistant Secretary level representatives from a range of Departments/Agencies including experts from the UK Department for Work and Pensions and the oecd. Initial work has concentrated on whether the optimal model would be one which is mandatory for all workers currently without supplementary retirement savings coverage or one which would automatically enrol those without supplementary retirement savings coverage whilst allowing individuals to opt out should they so choose. The Group also undertook a consultation process to facilitate input from, and engagement with, consumers and sectorial interests from the pensions industry along with employers and employee representatives. Officials also engaged with a range of international/Irish subject matter experts. I have indicated that the development of a universal retirement savings system will be a priority area of work for my Department. In order to achieve the goal of increasing retirement savings coverage and adequacy levels, it is crucial that the design and structure of any system is appropriate and suited to the national environment.

I now intend to consider the body of work completed to date and put in place a work plan for delivery.