Tariffs used as a fig-leaf for government to delay Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme – Louise O’Reilly TD & Rose Conway-Walsh TD
14 April 2025
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection, Louise O’Reilly TD, has criticized comments made by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers, indicating that the introduction of the Auto- Enrolment Pension Scheme will not take place in September as planned.
Teachta O’Reilly said:
“Sinn Féin supports auto enrolment. We have been clear that we would make the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) central to managing these funds and investing them for the benefit of citizens.
“This scheme has been over 20 years in the making and yesterday we learn of yet another delay.
”Government has failed to prepare for a straightforward policy that has been successfully rolled out without fuss or delay in almost every other EU Member State.
“These never-ending delays reflect the fact that workers’ right to a dignified retirement is simply not a priority for this government.
“The government was well aware of the required administrative capacities for this policy.
“What we have here, coupled with yesterday’s row back on the introduction of a living wage, is another example of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil abandoning workers.”
Teachta Rose Conway-Walsh, Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, added:
“There is a suite of measures which could be introduced to support businesses during this time of uncertainty – lowering the VAT rate for hospitality, introducing an employer’s PRSI rebate and utilizing the surplus in the National Training Fund to help businesses upskill workers – would all be beneficial.
“The Irish economy must remain competitive, but that cannot be at the expense of workers’ rights. In fact, an economy where workers feel valued, supported and motivated can be a driver of economic growth.
“People need to know that when retirement comes, they will be financially secure. The Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme is one step towards achieving this. Of course, access to the State Pension at age 65 is a long-standing Sinn Féin policy which would dovetail with this project and help protect older workers.”
