Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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848. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will elaborate on the commitment in the programme for Government to establish a commission on pensions; when this commission will be set up; the way in which the membership will be made up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20090/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The public policy and social issues in relation to funding a sustainable and adequate State pension system are complex.  Therefore, the Government is establishing a Commission on Pensions to examine a range of issues including contributions, calculation methods, sustainability, eligibility and intergenerational fairness. 

The Terms of Reference for the Commission on Pensions are currently being developed and options for its membership are being considered.  Proposals will be brought to Government in that regard as soon as possible.  It is anticipated that the Commission will be considering submissions from a wide range of stakeholders, including key NGOs in the area.

Once it has concluded its deliberations, the Commission will report to Government by June of next year.  In the meantime, pending its report and decisions taken on its recommendations, this Government has clearly stated that the state pension age will remain at 66 years and will not be increased to 67 in January 2021 as currently legislated for.  This will require amendment to primary legislation and the Government will bring the necessary legislation before the Oireachtas later this year.

This Government is acutely conscious of the need to consider the sustainability of the State’s finances.  However, this is not the only consideration when thinking of the State pension age.  The State Pension is the bedrock of the pension system in Ireland.  It is extremely effective at ensuring that our pensioners do not experience poverty.  The Government is committed to ensuring that this remains the case.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.