2035. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Social Protection whether he will consider legislative reform to provide for 100% continuation of the member’s pension to a surviving spouse, including for existing widows and widowers currently receiving reduced survivor pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61743/26]

2036. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Social Protection whether consideration has been given to the disproportionate impact of 50% spousal pension payout on women with less occupational pension entitlements due to time spent on care work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61742/26]

2037. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Social Protection whether his Department has carried out, or intends to carry out, an assessment of the gender impact of occupational and private pension schemes which reduce the pension payable to a surviving spouse to approximately 50% of the member’s pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61741/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2035, 2036 and 2037 together.

In Ireland, occupational pension schemes are generally established under trust on a voluntary basis and are governed by scheme trustees in accordance with the scheme rules and the provisions of the Pensions Act 1990. As a result, these are generally contractual arrangements and the Pensions Act does not specify the level of benefits to be provided.

Occupational pension schemes are primarily established to provide pension benefits for scheme members, i.e. employees of the relevant sponsoring employers, although some schemes may also provide benefits to other beneficiaries, such as survivor's benefits, in the event of the death of the member. The level of survivor benefits payable under an occupational pension scheme will vary depending on the type of scheme (e.g. defined benefit or defined contribution) and is a matter for, and determined by, the individual scheme rules. In defined benefit schemes, this must be considered in the context of the overall funding position and actuarial design of such schemes.

Any increase in survivor pension benefits would increase the long-term liabilities of occupational pension schemes and could result in additional funding requirements for sponsoring employers and/or scheme members. The scale of the cost would depend on the specific characteristics and funding position of individual schemes and would require detailed actuarial assessment. Extending such changes to pensions already in payment would also give rise to additional immediate liabilities for relevant schemes.

There are no plans by my Department to undertake an assessment of the gender impact of survivor pension benefits in occupational and private pension schemes or to introduce legislation requiring all occupational pension schemes to provide a 100% continuation of a member’s pension to a surviving spouse or partner.

My Department provides for a Bereaved Partners's Pensions for those who have lost a spouse, civil partner or qualified cohabitant. Bereaved partners may be elgible for a contributory pension based either on their own or their deceased partner's social insurance record or for a means-tested non-contributory pension based on income need.

I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.