Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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265. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the publishing of the report by the Commission on Pensions; and when she plans to publish the report of the Commission (details supplied). [38846/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Pensions Commission was established in November 2020 to examine the sustainability of the State Pension system and the Social Insurance Fund, in fulfilment of a Programme for Government commitment.  The Commission was also asked in its Terms of Reference to examine the issue of retirement ages in employment contracts that are set below the State Pension qualifying age, and how to further accommodate long-term carers in the State Pensions system. 

This is a major and complex body of work.  The Commission has had 17 meetings, and held a public consultation process including a Stakeholder Forum.  Details of the Commission's work can be found on its website, pensionscommission.gov.ie.

The Chairperson of the Commission has written to me to advise that the Commission plans to meet at the end of July to finalise its draft report.  Some time will also be required after that to complete the report's production.

I look forward to receiving the report in due course.  I anticipate that I will bring the Report to Government shortly after the summer recess.  The intention is to publish the report at that time.  In accordance with the Programme for Government, the Government intends to take action having regard to the recommendations of the Commission within six months of receiving the report. 

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.