Written answers

Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Pensions Reform

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

516. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a representative of an organisation (details supplied) can be invited to join the Pensions Commission in order to ensure that a person who is currently living on the State pension will be on the commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40490/20]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware of how critically important it is to ensure that the State Pension system provides adequate support to pensioners and that it continues to do that over the long term.

The Pensions Commission was established to examine sustainability and eligibility issues with the State Pension and the Social Insurance Fund, in fulfilment of our Programme for Government commitment. More broadly, it will also consider the issue of retirement ages in employment contracts and consider how the pension system can further accommodate carers, who are predominantly women. These issues will be considered from a perspective of fiscal and social sustainability, and intergenerational fairness. I was delighted to attend its virtual inaugural meeting last week.

The membership of the Commission, approved by Government, reflects the need to have subject matter experts to deal with the complex social and public policy issues arising in pensions, as well as stakeholder representation which will keep the work of the Commission grounded. This includes representation of workers, employers, civil society, academics and those with technical and policy expertise. In this regard, the membership also includes those with involvement in organisations supporting older people.

I was keen to ensure that the Commission had strong female representation in its membership, and I am pleased that the majority of members – 6 out of 11 – are women. I am satisfied that the Commission, with its gender-balanced membership and extensive experience of social and public policy, is well equipped to grasp the potential impacts of any pensions reform options on affected groups, such as women, workers, and older people.

The full details of the Commission's membership are available here: .

As part of its work, the Commission has been asked to seek the views of recognized experts and representative/advocacy groups by means of submissions and/or presentations. The exact mechanisms for this engagement will be shaped by the Commission in due course.

It should be noted 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, particularly in the context whereby many pensioners are dependent on the State Pension for all or most of their income.

In line with the Programme for Government, the Commission will report by 30 June of next year and the Government will take action having regard to the recommendations of the Commission within 6 months.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.