Pensions Board urges women to plan for a stress free future

Friday 16 November 2007: The Pensions Board will attend the ‘RTE Off The Rails’ fashion and beauty show at the RDS this weekend (16–18 November), where it will highlight the importance for women to start a pension. Pensions coverage overall for the female workforce stands at 51%, compared to 58% for men.

Speaking today, Mr David Malone, Head of Information Services, The Pensions Board, said: “65% of women, cite that financial independence is a vital issue in their lives. We are all living longer and therefore women, just like men, need to be especially conscious of planning for a good standard of living during retirement.”

“Bearing in mind also that women tend to have a more fragmented career path than men, it is vital that women give greater consideration to their long-term finances. So I would encourage all women attending the Off the Rails event this weekend to visit our information stand and pick up a copy of the ‘Women and pensions’ booklet that will help to plan a stress-free future.”

Board representatives will be distributing the 2007 version of the ‘Women and Pensions’ booklet free of charge to attendees at the Off the Rails event. The booklet outlines the options for women when it comes to financial security for themselves and their dependants in retirement. It addresses issued of particular interest to women such as maternity leave, career breaks, separation, divorce and re-entering the workforce.

The Pensions Board is also encouraging women to visit the on-line pensions calculator and work out their future pension needs on www.pensionsboard.ie and to talk to their employer about a pension or go directly to their bank, insurance company or financial advisor and find out about starting a pension today.

ENDS

For further information:

David Malone
Head of Information Services
The Pensions Board
Tel: (01) 613 1900

Jackie Gallagher
Q4 Public Relations
Tel: (01) 475 1444 / (087) 237 1838

Notes:

About The Pensions Board
The Pensions Board is the statutory body set up to regulate occupational pension schemes and PRSAs and to advise the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, and through him, the Government, on overall pension policy development.

Pension Information
The Pensions Board has a range of information booklets on pensions matters including a comprehensive booklet on ‘Women and Pensions’. All of the booklets are available online on at www.pensionsboard.ie and from LoCall 1890 65 6565.