Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1560. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps he has taken to advertise the My Future Fund scheme; the steps specifically that have been taken to encourage people to maintain payments after the six month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1017/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1578. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on whether the information campaigns carried out to date in relation to the auto enrolment pension scheme have been sufficient to ensure widespread knowledge of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1774/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1579. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding any further campaigns to ensure that there is sufficient knowledge and awareness of the auto enrolment pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1775/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1560, 1578 and 1579 together.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce the Automatic Enrolment (AE) Retirement Savings System. The aim of introducing AE is to address the pension coverage gap that exists in Ireland and to provide workers with access to a quality assured retirement savings scheme, thereby giving greater comfort and security regarding their retirement income. The new system - known as My Future Fund - commenced on the 1 January 2026. Over 763,000 employees that weren't actively contributing to a qualifying pension or PRSA through payroll have now been automatically enrolled in My Future Fund.
In advance of the launch of My Future Fund, a comprehensive three phase communications campaign was developed and rolled out to raise awareness for the new scheme. This public information campaign commenced in 2023 and represents the largest campaign that my Department has ever undertaken. To this end, the campaign involved a wide variety of media channels available, including TV, radio, social media, press, video on demand and out of home advertising such as billboards, buses, etc. In addition, many briefings were provided to media personnel and the Department took part in a very large number of webinars and in-person seminars for employers and representative groups.
The campaign was developed in consultation with a contracted media buying service and creative agency to target both employers and employees. The Department is confident that there has been a very good level of awareness of My Future Fund in advance of its launch. This is borne out in the high level of engagement from employers registering on the My Future Fund employer portal: by the 9 January 2026 the numbers of employers registered was 93,581 who employ 697,189 employees.
Campaign messaging highlighted the contributions from the employer, employee and the government as well as the benefits of saving for retirement. In addition, separate messaging was developed by employers to show them how easy it is to engage and how light the administrative work is. At each stage of the campaign messaging was informed by queries from stakeholders and adapted to ensure that frequently asked questions were addressed.
A dedicated auto-enrolment information hub was published on the gov.ie website in 2023 and content has been continually added and updated here, to help both employer and employees stay informed and prepare for the launch in January 2026. A suite of information videos on auto-enrolment was also created in English, Irish and Irish Sign Language. These are available on the Department’s YouTube channel.
As part of the communications strategy, market research among the public and employers took place, to help measure awareness and inform future messaging. Results from November research indicated a significant increase in awareness of auto-enrolment among both employers and employees. Some findings are as follows:
• Positively, 93% of employers were aware of the My Future Fund auto-enrolment system, a notable rise from 51% in March 2024.
• The majority of employers (88%) were aware of their company’s legal obligations regarding My Future Fund auto-enrolment.
• The majority of those eligible for My Future Fund auto-enrolment continue to believe it is a good initiative (88%).
To oversee the operation of My Future Fund, a new State body - the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA) - has been established. Following the commencement of enrolments and contribution collection on 1 January 2026, NAERSA will be continuing to implement the communication strategy. The Department of Social Protection will work closely with NAERSA to ensure that stakeholders are aware of the scheme, the easy administration for employers, and the benefits of saving for retirement for employees.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputies.
