Bill on pension rights for older people must be progressed through the Dáil

Sir, – I am writing to highlight my concern at the lack of interest or consideration shown by the Government on the issue of pension rights for older people. There is a Private Members’ Bill before the Dáil since 2021, which would give legal rights and a voice to older people in relation to their occupational pension. This would be through the Workplace Relations Commission.

The situation at present means the income of retired pensioners can be reduced without their consent or engagement. Occupational pension payments are deferred pay cheques for employees who were instructed, by many employers, Aer Lingus, RTÉ, and ESB to name a few, to join the company-sponsored scheme as a condition of employment. A form of auto-enrolment of its day.

There has been no options or alternative proposed by the Government to address their concerns relating to this Bill, although they accept the current situation is unfair to older people.

The proposed Bill has passed the first and second stages and is now moving to the third stage. It is with the Bills Office to ascertain if it needs a “money message” since November 2025. Many pensioners believe the “money message” will be used to block the Bill as has happened to many Private Members’ Bills.