Progress Report by the Pensions Board to Seamus Brennan T.D. Minister for Social and Family Affairs

Tuesday 12 July 2005: The Pensions Act requires the Minister for Social and Family Affairs to cause a report in relation to the extent of the application of occupational and other pensions, and in respect of such matters as the Minister considers relevant, to be prepared and furnished to him not later than September 2006. A copy of that report is to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas within six months after its preparation. This effectively requires a progress review of the changes introduced in the pensions system between 2000 and 2003 in response to the National Pensions Policy Initiative.

Seamus Brennan T.D., Minister for Social and Family Affairs, wrote to the Pensions Board in February 2005 stating that the Minister saw little point in delaying the review until 2006 and, having discussed at Government, he asked the Board to undertake the full review of coverage and associated issues without delay. The Board welcomed the opportunity for involvement in this important review and confirmed that it would proceed with the work as quickly as possible with a view to making a progress report to the Minister in June and submitting the full report by September/early October 2005.