Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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95. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will publish her response to the report of the Pension Commission and recommendations before the Dáil summer recess; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38134/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Pensions Commission’s Report was published on the 7th October 2021.  It contained almost 250 pages of analysis, consideration and recommendations.  The report established that the current State Pension system is not sustainable into the future and it has set out a recommended approach for Government.

It is clear from the Commission’s work that State Pension reform is necessary and it is complex.  It would be a strategic risk not to plan and provide for projected demographic changes, not least in terms of income adequacy for older people. 

In the interests both of older people and future generations of older people, I can assure the Deputy that the Government is considering the comprehensive and far reaching recommendations in the Commission’s Report very carefully and holistically.  

My officials are examining each of the recommendations and I am consulting across Government through the Cabinet Committee system.  The views of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands and the Commission on Taxation and Welfare also from part of these deliberations. 

Once we have considered all of these matters in detail and taken on board the views of my Ministerial colleagues, I intend bringing a recommended response and implementation plan to Government.  While this is somewhat later than initially planned, I am sure that the Deputy will understand that the issues raised and views expressed by the Joint Committee and others require the most careful consideration.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.