The Pensions Authority
Introduction
The Pensions Authority is responsible for overseeing the administration of pension schemes and the protection of pension rights for people living in Ireland.
The Authority is the regulatory body for occupational pension schemes and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) and certain Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs). It also has a role in the development of pension policy in general.
The Pensions Authority provides information for pension providers and for the public.
A separate Pensions Council advises the Minister for Social Protection on pensions policy.
If you have a problem that you cannot resolve with your pension provider, read about how to make a complaint about your pension.
What does the Pensions Authority do?
The main functions of the Pensions Authority are to:
- Provide information and guidance to members and trustees of pension schemes
- Encourage people to take part in pension schemes and to provide for retirement
- Check that pension schemes follow the law and investigate potential breaches of the Act
- Monitor defined benefit schemes to make sure sufficient funds are available to meet the needs of members
- Approve PRSAs with the Revenue Commissioners and keep a public register of PRSAs
- Monitor the operation of pensions legislation and pensions developments generally
- Advise the Minister for Social Protection on pension matters
Pension information services
The Pensions Authority website, pensionsauthority.ie, provides information on understanding your pension. It has useful resources including a pension calculator, budget planner and a glossary of pension terms. You can select options that match your general circumstances to get relevant information for your situation.