Mary Coughlan calls for new approach to pensions

The Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Coughlan has said new approaches are needed if pension reform is to evolve.

Ms Coughlan believes the effect of an ageing population and the cost of pensions is an issue which is currently exercising Europe as a whole.

11% of Ireland's population is over 65 compared to an EU average of 16%. Minister Coughlan has said: "While this is to be welcomed, Ireland can learn a lot from our European counterparts on how to improve our pension system, “ one of the big issues for the next 20 years is the fact that we have an ageing population in the European Union.

"Presently there is an ageing population and we have to learn from the huge difficulties some of our European counterparts have and to ensure that doesn't happen today."