Pension Provisions

Thursday, 21 May 2026

Questions (272, 273, 274, 275, 276)

Paul Lawless

Question:

272. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection the step-by-step process required for employees to obtain trustee signatures on pension claim forms. [38507/26]

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Paul Lawless

Question:

273. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection whether all pension schemes require trustee sign-off, or if there are exemptions. [38508/26]

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Paul Lawless

Question:

274. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection the typical delays encountered by employees in securing trustee signatures and submitting completed forms. [38509/26]

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275. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection whether his Department has assessed the impact of this requirement for trustee signatures on processing times for pension claims. [38510/26]

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Paul Lawless

Question:

276. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will introduce measures, including digital authorisation or simplified procedures, to expedite the process required for employees to obtain trustee signatures on pension claim forms and reduce administrative burdens on employees. [38511/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Dara Calleary)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 to 276, inclusive, together.

Pension scheme trustees have duties and responsibilities under the Pension Act 1990, as amended, under trust law and under other relevant legislation. The duties of pension scheme trustees include administering the scheme in accordance with the law and the terms of the trust deed and scheme rules as well as ensuring compliance with the requirements that apply to these schemes. Trustees must act in the best financial interests of all scheme members, whether active, deferred or retired, and must serve all beneficiaries of the scheme impartially. If there is a conflict of interest, then a person's duty as a trustee must take precedence over other interests.

Section 59 of the Pensions Act 1990 sets out the general duties for trustees of pension schemes, including the responsibility of trustees to ensure that arrangements are made for the payment of the benefits, as provided for under the rules of the scheme. While that section sets out the general duties for trustees, the Act does not contain provisions in relation to the process required for employees to obtain trustee signatures on pension claim forms. The steps involved in such processes will depend on the rules of the relevant scheme and neither my Department nor the Pensions Authority receive information on the processing times for any pension claims.

Where somebody feels they have been treated unfairly by a particular pensions provider, they have the option of making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). One of the main roles of the FSPO is to investigate, mediate and adjudicate complaints about the conduct of regulated financial service or pension providers. Investigations by the FSPO are free of charge to the consumer.

The Pensions Authority is the regulatory body charged with the supervision of pension schemes and has the necessary powers under statute to investigate the conduct of a pension scheme should it become aware that a scheme is not in compliance with the provisions of the Pensions Act. Where a pension scheme member is of the view that the scheme is not in compliance with legislative requirements he or she may make a formal complaint to the Pensions Authority.

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Question No. 273 answered with Question No. 272.

Question No. 274 answered with Question No. 272.

Question No. 275 answered with Question No. 272.

Question No. 276 answered with Question No. 272.