Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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386. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the planning and timing schedules for the establishment of a commission on pensions; her views on ensuring the independence of those appointed to the commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30961/20]

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. The Programme for Government commits that a Commission on Pensions will be established to examine a range of issues including contributions, calculation methods, sustainability, eligibility and intergenerational fairness.

The Commission must be completely independent in its deliberations. I will be proposing to Government that the Commission membership includes an independent Chair and stakeholder representation. Proposals will be brought to Government in that regard as soon as possible.

As set out in the Programme for Government, the Commission will report to Government by June of next year and the Government will take action having regard to the recommendations of the Commission within 6 months.

In the meantime, I was pleased to announce on Budget Day that the planned increase in the State pension age next year will be deferred, in line with our Programme for Government commitment, and it will remain at 66 years pending the report of the Commission on Pensions. I will introduce legislation later this year to do that.

While this Government is acutely conscious of the need to consider the sustainability of the State’s finances, 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.