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#Pensions

Your home for pension related news.

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Those enrolled in the scheme will be allowed to opt out between July 1 and the end of August.</p>

companies

Over 80% say they will remain in auto-enrolment pension scheme

Enrolment levels are higher outside Dublin, with 36% of adults in Munster and Connacht/Ulster enrolled, compared to 31% in Dublin and 25% in the rest of Leinster

<p>As it's a private members bill involving public expenditure, the law needs a 'money message' to proceed — but the Department of Enterprise says the minister will not recommend that measure to the Government. Picture: iStock </p>

politics

Pensions: Government will not back law giving retirees right to challenge 'pension raids'

<p>There were 82 individuals impacted by the pension deduction issue. So far 58 have begun a payment plan or have already paid in full. File picture</p>

politics

Two dozen ex-ministers and civil servants yet to start paying off incorrect pension deductions

The monthly finances

news

Pensions: A third of Irish workers had no pension cover in 2025 – CSO

Senior couple checking financial documents at home

economy

Pension gender gap would see women working 10 extra years

Saving and pension planning

news

Perfect storm: Ireland facing a looming 'pensions timebomb'

Accelerating Infrastructure launch

Office refuses to say how many ministers are repaying incorrect pension deductions

Documentation provided to the public accounts committee on December 24 confirmed that the miscalculation for former and current ministers was €360,000

Mon, 02 Feb, 2026

Housing and media ministers yet to enter plan to repay incorrect pension deductions

Housing and media ministers yet to enter plan to repay incorrect pension deductions

Some 32 current ministers owe money to the State, enterprise minister has told the Dáil

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity

If a minister hasn't reimbursed money over their inaccurate pension, they will get no pension

Enterprise minister Peter Burke said if a minister has not started paying the money back, it is because they have queried the calculations

Thu, 15 Jan, 2026

pension - cube with letters, money sector terms - sign with wooden cubes

Raising taxes not the only solution to 'pensions timebomb', Oireachtas committee told

All of the experts at the budget oversight committee agreed that higher levels of migration will be necessary to sustain the population as time passes.

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Ireland facing pension time bomb with people living longer and fewer workers to pay for them

Ireland facing pension time bomb with people living longer and fewer workers to pay for them

Economic and Social Research Institute to tell the Oireachtas on Tuesday the level of old-age dependency — a ratio of those aged over-65 compared to the working-age population — is set to nearly double by 2050 as the labour force declines and those working now pass retirement age

Mon, 12 Jan, 2026

ieExplains: What do employers need to know about pension auto-enrolment as registration opens?

ieExplains: What do employers need to know about pension auto-enrolment as registration opens?

Businesses across the country being asked to register in advance of January 1, 2026

Wed, 31 Dec, 2025

Serious caucasian old elderly senior couple grandparents family counting funds on calculator, doing paperwork, savings, paying d

Most Europeans think state pensions will become unaffordable, poll shows

Survey finds many say payments are too low and oppose reforms such as raising retirement age or cuts

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

A successful businesswoman is using a laptop and working in the office

Ireland’s pension auto-enrolment is a turning point for women but it's not the whole story

For women in Ireland, the auto-enrolment scheme is a big leap forward, but it will only live up to its promise if the reforms are matched by awareness, structural supports and a cultural shift in how we talk about women, work and money, write Jill Steeples and Kelly-Anne Quinn

Fri, 26 Dec, 2025

Saving and pension planning

Extra cost of pension auto-enrolment will impact our services, charities warn

One charity said its 2026 budget will be hit by around €1.3m of extra costs

Wed, 24 Dec, 2025

Employers have vital role in giving staff real insights on pensions AE

Employers have vital role in giving staff real insights on pensions AE

With so many entering pensions auto-enrolment (AE) in January, employers can help raise awareness, says CIPD expert

Fri, 28 Nov, 2025

6/12/2012 Department of Social Welfares Offices

Taxpayer foots bill for more than €15m worth of incorrect welfare payments

A total of €7.97m in benefits were written off last year, up more than €300,000 on the equivalent figure of €7.64m from 2023

Sun, 02 Nov, 2025

Shoulder patch of a soldier from the Irish Army on camouflaged uniform.

Retired Defence Forces members challenge pension cuts after rejoining public service

The Retired Enlisted Members’ Association says pension abatement rules unfairly penalise former Defence Forces personnel rejoining the public service

Tue, 21 Oct, 2025

Senior couple sat at a table doing paperwork

Pension crisis: 26% of Irish adults surveyed have no financial plans for retirement

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission survey reveals 'worrying trend' as growing number of Irish people are not putting plans in place for when they retire

Mon, 15 Sep, 2025

Saving and pension planning

Employers who 'behave badly' over pension scheme will be 'chased down'

Those who dissuade workers away from the auto-enrolment act, set to come into effect from January 1, may face sanctions and penalties

Wed, 16 Jul, 2025

Is Ireland sliding into a gerontocracy where the older generation dominates?

Is Ireland sliding into a gerontocracy where the older generation dominates?

Gap between the haves and have-nots in Irish society is beginning to be defined generationally as our ageing politicians look after older voters, writes Theo McDonald

Mon, 23 Jun, 2025

US import tariffs

Pension errors may cost ministers and civil servants tens of thousands

Thousands of retired public servants and ministers face repayments or refunds after payroll errors span over two decades

Tue, 10 Jun, 2025

Still unclear if any career gardaí will apply for top Garda role

Still unclear if any career gardaí will apply for top Garda role

There are strong contenders within An Garda Síochána but it is unknown if any will apply — not least due to the burden of the pension tax

Wed, 28 May, 2025

Worried woman thinking alone sitting on a couch in the night at home

Government set to extend pension rights to bereaved partners

The new legislation will extend eligibility to the payment to 'qualified cohabitants' who were in a committed relationship for two years with a child, or if the relationship was longer than five years otherwise

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

Businesswoman examining documents at desk

How new State pension calculations should particularly benefit Irish women

Move from yearly average contributions to total contributions a fairer and more transparent method, pension expert says

Thu, 13 Feb, 2025

Call to speed up pension rights as 'cohabiting couples still discriminated against'

Call to speed up pension rights as 'cohabiting couples still discriminated against'

Kinship Care Ireland said that families are at risk of being pushed into poverty because of not being entitled to the payment

Sun, 26 Jan, 2025

Elderly stock

Fewer people expecting to use State pension alone to fund retirement, new figures shows

CSO data shows between July and August, 67% of workers aged between 20 and 60 had some form of pension coverage outside the State pension

Thu, 19 Dec, 2024

Make My Money Matter

Towel-clad Benedict Cumberbatch as an executive watching forests burn

"The business of deforestation is on fire and it's all thanks to you," his character says

Tue, 17 Dec, 2024

Policies to 'incentivise' working past 65 need to be considered, says Central Bank chief Makhlouf

S Policies to 'incentivise' working past 65 need to be considered, says Central Bank chief Makhlouf

“Policies to incentivise working longer, alongside promotion of lifelong learning, need to be part of our thinking,” Central Bank of Ireland governor Gabriel Makhlouf told a UK Society of Professional Economists dinner.

Mon, 25 Nov, 2024

General Election Ireland 2024

Fianna Fáil vows to decriminalise possession of cannabis for personal use

Party's manifesto also includes promises to keep 9% Vat on energy, and to raise core welfare rates to €144

Tue, 12 Nov, 2024

Fianna Fáil pledges to raise State pension to €350 as divisions emerge within Coalition

Fianna Fáil pledges to raise State pension to €350 as divisions emerge within Coalition

Ahead of his party's manifesto launch, Micheál Martin said the Department of Finance had dismissed Fine Gael's proposed Vat 11% rate

Sun, 10 Nov, 2024

Firms focus on gender pay gaps as staff compare annual reports

Court rulings allow bosses to set blanket retirement ages for staff

New court cases have brought clarity around the employer's right to set a contractual retirement age where it can be objectively justified, as legal expert Síobhra Rush of law firm Lewis Silkin explains

Fri, 08 Nov, 2024

Indian firm signs contract to administer pension auto-enrolment scheme

Indian firm signs contract to administer pension auto-enrolment scheme

Tata Consultancy Services will oversee the administration of the scheme, enabling enrolment, record management, and benefit disbursement

Tue, 29 Oct, 2024

An old miniature man and woman standing on a pile of coins.

Why auto-enrolment can be a double-edged sword for women's pensions

While the closure of the gender pension gap is within reach, it still requires co-ordinated interventions across departments, organisations, policymakers, and financial institutions

Sat, 05 Oct, 2024

Three-generation family enjoying dinner

Electricity credits; double child benefit: Here are the cost-of-living measures from Budget 2025

There will be a slew of one-off payments — from electricity credits to fuel allowance lump sum — as well as the double welfare payments

Tue, 01 Oct, 2024

Pensioners hit with demand to return overpayments worth thousands of euro

Pensioners hit with demand to return overpayments worth thousands of euro

Department of Education failed to apply pension reduction brought in after financial crash to 'small number' of retirees, and is now seeking repayment

Mon, 30 Sep, 2024

Budget 2025: Here's what's expected as talks set to go down to the wire

Budget 2025: Here's what's expected as talks set to go down to the wire

The three Government leaders met on Sunday night and will talk again on Monday evening to iron out the final details.

Mon, 30 Sep, 2024

ECONOMY Euro

Budget 2025: Pensioners and carers set to be big winners as negotiations continue

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has indicated that the two groups, along with people with disabilities, can expect a boost in social welfare rates.

Sun, 29 Sep, 2024

Irish budget 2014

Budget 2025: Who's getting what?

We have already heard indications from ministers about what will be contained in the last budget before the next general election.

Sun, 29 Sep, 2024

Senior couple going over bills

Record €25bn budget surplus will fund pension hike, USC cut, and cost-of-living package

Budget 2025: Finance Minister Jack Chambers said €8bn of the €14.1bn Apple tax windfall will be received by the exchequer in 2024, with the remainder due in 2025

Fri, 27 Sep, 2024

Budget 2025: Planned USC cut will boost low and middle incomes by hundreds of euro

Budget 2025: Planned USC cut will boost low and middle incomes by hundreds of euro

A rift has emerged over funding being allocated to disabilities services and childcare, which has been described as 'laughable'

Fri, 27 Sep, 2024

Elaine Loughlin: Could Simon Harris call an election next week?

Elaine Loughlin: Could Simon Harris call an election next week?

There is growing speculation that the Taoiseach could go to the country as early as October 'before the clocks go back'

Thu, 26 Sep, 2024

Four senior gardaí shortlisted for deputy commissioner job as pension dispute continues

Four senior gardaí shortlisted for deputy commissioner job as pension dispute continues

Four senior gardaí shortlisted for the Deputy Garda Commissioner role

Thu, 19 Sep, 2024

Kitchen and Great Room in Apartment with painted accent wall, Pennsylvania, USA,

Paul Hosford: How do we spend the €13bn Apple tax windfall?

Between EU rules and political realities, the government must think carefully about how to spend the cash it found down the back of the sofa

Tue, 10 Sep, 2024

Senior middle aged happy couple using laptop together at home

S Survey highlights Irish workers' unpreparedness for retirement

There are significant levels of anxiety and unpreparedness for those nearing the end of their working life

Fri, 06 Sep, 2024

Budget calculation

Tax cuts and pension increases in pre-election budget bonanza

Vape users are to be hit with a new tax which will climb each year, while the reintroduction of a special Vat rate for the hospitality sector has been all-but ruled out

Fri, 02 Aug, 2024

Nurse pushing air out of syringe for vaccine injection. Doctor wearing blue gloves and medical mask. Person holds a syringe with

Retired HSE staff who worked during covid lose pension pay

Some workers facing bills ranging up to €20k

Sun, 14 Jul, 2024

Cost Irish Budget 2024

Cabinet hopes to progress Bereaved Partner's Pension Bill as a matter of priority

Eligibility criteria will be broadened for what will become the Bereaved Partner's Contributory Pension

Tue, 18 Jun, 2024

A grandfather and grandchild reading a book

John Hearne: Are you saving enough for retirement?

Reviewing your pension can save you money, says Director of Communications for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Grainne Griffin

Fri, 14 Jun, 2024

Old senior woman with loneliness, memory loss, dementia or anxiety. Lonely elder grandma of family. Alzheimer or depression. Sad

PRSI reforms will lead to gains for the government but more raises may be required, ESRI says

The Economic and Social Research Institute said that while these moves are progressive, additional measures will be required beyond 2028 to 'ensure the continued viability of the Social Insurance Fund'

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024