The issue of integration of occupational pension with the social insurance system was considered by the Commission on Public Service Pensions. The commission accepted that integration is a fundamental component in the public service pensions framework and it was strongly of the view that it should be continued. However, in order to enhance the pension position of public servants in full PRSI class and subject to integration and who retire on relatively low levels of pay, it recommended that the operation of integration be amended in order to improve the occupational pension component for such persons.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Government decided in September 2001 to accept the thrust of the package of reforms recommended by the commission and to establish the working group to advise on implementation provided for in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The operational details of the implementation of the commission recommendations will be agreed by the Government following receipt of a report from the implementation working group which it is hoped will be submitted by the end of the year.