‘Fewer women have a pension’

IRISH women have been slower than men to take up pensions, according to the Pensions Board.

The government-backed agency, which has been charged with boosting the level of pension coverage, yesterday launched an information booklet aimed specifically at women to persuade them to provide for their post-retirement income.

Central Statistics Office figures show fewer than half of Irish working women have a pension.

Pensions Board head of information Mary Hutch said there were historical reasons for this. Women were more likely than men to have fragmented patterns of employment, caused by a trend of giving up work to look after children.

Women also tended to think their husbands’ pension arrangements would be enough to provide adequate post-retirement income, said Ms Hutch.

The booklet will provide information for women working in the home, those re-entering the workforce, part-time workers and those on maternity or parental leave.

“This booklet outlines the way in which women can provide financial security for themselves and their dependents in retirement,” said Ms Maher.

Copies of the booklet will be available free of charge in public libraries, citizen information centres and Department of Social and Family Affairs offices, as well as on the Pensions Board website or by calling 1890 656565.