THE Minister for Social Welfare, Mr De Rossa, has again warned the pensions industry against using "alarmist phrases" in its efforts to sell private pension plans.

Launching the first stage of the National Pensions Policy Initiative yesterday, the Minister urged the industry not to give rise to "unnecessary fears" about the public's future pension entitlements.

"I would like to stress that there is no danger to anyone's pension now or in the future, unless we fail to plan seriously and effectively for the future," Mr De Rossa said.

The National Pensions Policy Initiative is jointly sponsored by the Department of Social Welfare and the Pensions Board. It aims to promote debate on the future of Ireland's pension policy.