Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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732. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when she expects the Pensions Commission will finalise its report and submit it; if a timeline is in place for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43010/21]

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 was a major and complex body of work. The Commission had 18 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 Pensions Commission formally submitted its report to me earlier this week. I will now consider the report and then take it to Government. The Government will need time to work through the Commission’s recommendations and make decisions. It has committed to taking action within six months of receipt of the Commission’s report.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.