Update on the re-introduction of funding standard obligations for defined benefit pension schemes

19 January 2012: On 28 October 2011, The Pensions Board announced that it expected to publish revised guidelines for defined benefit schemes in deficit and announce new deadlines by which schemes in deficit must submit a recovery plan to the Board by the end of 2011.

Brendan Kennedy, Chief Executive of The Pensions Board stated today: “The Board apologises for the delay in publishing this information. However, the Board in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection continues to work on the complex requirements of updating the technical guidance for Section 49(3), Section 50/50A and Sovereign Annuities.

We are well aware of the importance of this matter, and I can confirm that the updated guidance and the new deadlines will be issued as soon as possible. 

The new guidelines will provide all the technical information needed by trustees and their advisers to prepare a recovery plan. I can also confirm that the new deadlines will also give the trustees adequate time to prepare funding plans in light of the new funding requirements.”

Note:

The Board continues to up-date guidelines, information and FAQs on changes in relation to pensions as they occur. News of any changes is posted on the Board’s website. The Board provides a free “News by e-mail” alert service – which is available at www.pensionsboard.ie

ENDS.

For further information please contact:

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

Notes:

The Pensions Board

The Pensions Board is the statutory body established by The Pensions Act 1990 to regulate occupational pension schemes, trust based RACs and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) and to advise the Minister for Social Protection on overall pension policy development. See www.pensionsboard.ie