Today, the Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D. launched The Pensions Board Annual Report and Accounts 2012. At the launch, The Pensions Board highlighted its ongoing investigations into pensions contributions deducted by employers but not passed on to pension schemes, as well as the challenges for defined benefit schemes and concerns about the governance of Ireland’s €70 billion pensions sector.

EIOPA Press Release:

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has published its Annual Report 2012 as requested by EIOPA Founding Regulation (Article 43.5).

2012 is the second year of EIOPA’s work as a European Supervisory Authority. In the course of this year, EIOPA continued its work in its seven core areas: regulatory tasks; supervisory tasks; consumer protection and financial innovation; creation of the common supervisory culture; financial stability; crisis prevention, management and resolution; external relations.

The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D., has announced a number of regulatory changes to assist defined benefit schemes as they prepare their funding proposals before the Funding Standard deadline of 30th June 2013.  The regulations will reduce the level of risk reserve that the schemes are required to

Commissioner Barnier has indicated his intention to come forward with a proposal for a Directive to improve the governance and transparency of occupational pension funds in the autumn of 2013. At this stage, and as long as more comprehensive data is needed and Solvency II is not in force, the proposal for a Directive will not cover the issue of the solvency of pension funds. In light of the differing situations in Member States regarding retirement products and pension funds, it is necessary to continue technical work on the issue of solvency.

The Society of Actuaries in Ireland has issued a press release expressing concern about the delay to the reform of pensions legislation following publication of the Social Welfare and Pensions (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013 yesterday. The Bill does not address major reforms required to pensions legislation for defined benefit schemes.
 

The Science Gallery in Dublin has been transformed into a virtual casino for its latest show, Risk Lab. Visitors can expect to learn more about their perception of risk and the psychology and maths behind games such as roulette and poker. The goal is to help give people a deeper understanding of risk-taking in every aspect of their lives.

The exhibition opened on the  2nd May, and the free show is set to run until 23rd June at the Science Gallery on Pearse Street.

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has published its Survey of EU practice on default investment options.

The survey was conducted as a follow up to EIOPA advice to the European Commission on the review of the IORP Directive, which stated that:

The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D., has announced a number of changes to strengthen governance and regulation of the country’s occupational pensions and give consumers greater input into pensions policy.

The OECD has published its Review of the Irish Pension System.

The report provides an international perspective on Ireland’s retirement income provision, the result of a request from the Minister for Social Protection for a focused review on the viability and long-term impact of proposed changes in pension policy, taking into account the impact of the economic downturn. It covers all components of the pension system: state, private personal and occupational plans and schemes for public-sector employees.

Four significant objectives are examined: