DEFICITS at the country’s biggest defined benefit pension schemes in the public and private sector fell from €13.3 billion in September 2010 to €5.3bn at the end of March.

HALF of businesses operating defined benefits pension schemes do not comply with the minimum funding standard set by the Pensions Board, according to the employers’ body IBEC.

PENSION deficits at Irish-listed companies have soared 15% to €5.4 billion since the start of the year.

THE pension black holes at AIB, Bank of Ireland and Irish Life and Permanent have soared to almost €3 billion – more than double what they were a year ago.

THE 27 quoted companies on the Irish Stock Exchange who operate defined benefit pensions schemes are running deficits totalling €3.5 billion, according to a study conducted by Attain Consulting.