National Pensions Framework Seminar
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Transcript of National Pensions Framework Seminar
National Pensions National Pensions FrameworkFrameworkMarch 2010March 2010
2
AGENDA
• Background• Aims • Principles• Key Areas• Observations and Conclusions
3
BACKGROUND
• First Pensions Review Late 80’s Pensions Act
• Second Pension Review – NPPI Late 90’s PRSAs
• Third Pensions Review – NPF 2010 ?
4
BACKGROUND
• Pensions Green Paper - 2006• Mandatory Pension Paper - 2007• Commission on Taxation Report – 2009• McCarthy Report – 2009
Public Sector pensions
• Renewed Programme for Government – 2009 33% tax rate
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AIMS
• Security• Equity• Choice• Clarity• Increase Coverage (low and Middle
Incomes)• Ensure State Support is Equitable and
Sustainable
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PRINCIPLES
• Affordable and Sustainable• State Pension at 35% of Average Weekly
Earnings• Improve both coverage and contributions• Equitable Tax incentives• Involve Employers, Employees and State• Support longer working by flexibility• Focus on Future; ignore Legacy issues
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AUTO ENROLMENT
• Implementation date 2014
• State managed scheme
• compulsory contributions equivalent to 8% of gross pay
• Employee pays 4% from net pay
• State pays 2% and employer pays 2%
• Wage bills up 2% plus administration costs
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AUTO ENROLMENT
• Contribution triggered if earnings exceed threshold
• Example given:
Trigger at €357 per week
8% of salary between €127 p.w. and €995 p.w.
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AUTO ENROLMENT
The table is based on the following assumptions: 5% earnings growth; 7% investment returns; 22:1 annuity for pension; a 40 year employment career. These are reasonable assumptions over a 40 year period.
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AUTO ENROLMENT
• Opt out after 3 months
• Irrevocable after 6 months
• Auto-renewal every 2 years – hassle for employers
• Incentive - once off bonus payment after 5 years.
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AUTO ENROLMENT
• Members are given a limited range of funds.
• Funds are private sector chosen by competition.
• Exemption for those in an employers defined contribution scheme which provides for the 8% contribution and the 2% employer’s portion.
• The alternative funds available may be more attractive than the auto-funds.
12
AUTO ENROLMENTAustralian Experience
• Introduced in 1992: to answer same issues
• “resistance crumbled”
• 9% and enjoys wide support
• Employer contributes to scheme of employees choice
• Several different types of arrangement – general and self administered
13
AUTO ENROLMENT
2006 Green Paper• Predicted negative impact on GDP and GNP• Reduction in real disposable income• Impact on competitiveness• Savings would increase
Government says:• 2014 only if economic conditions permit• It is conscious of cost to small firms• “the implementation of these proposals will be
cognisant of the current and emerging economic situation”
14
STATE PENSION
• Social Insurance Fund decimated
• Retirement age to increase gradually to 68
• Contributory pension based on total contributions made (currently average)
• Home Carers to be recognised with credits
• No credits for legacy issues (i.e. marriage bar)
15
PRIVATE SECTOR
• 33% Rate on Personal Contributions• DC Retirement Benefits Simplified• Multiplicity of Contracts to be reviewed
PRSAs, Personal Pensions, Buy-out Bonds
• Defined Benefit Schemes New model proposed
• Pension Board Powers to be reviewed
• Info to Members; Funding Standard Kept Under review
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33% RATE
• Applies to all personal contributions To achieve greater equity?
• 15%- 40% limits remain• €150,000 limit remains• Employer Contributions Unaffected• Pension Funds Remain Exempt
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BENEFITS
• ARFS – available to all DC Not to current Pensioners; DB Implemented 2011
• Specified Income To c. €18k AMRF to end before 75 if this is exceeded
• Tax Free Lump Sum same as Before Taxation above €200k to be considered during implementation 25% or 1.5 x Salary?
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DEFINED BENEFITS
• Possible new model• Fixed Contribution Rates• Flexible Benefits• Allow for Life Expectancy• All beneficiaries Revised Annually and
Equally• Previous Underpayment due to Poor
Investment to be caught up
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PENSION BOARD
• Powers to be reviewed• Powers re Lifestyling• Licensing of Schemes• Info to Members
To be kept under review
• Funding standard To be kept under review
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PUBLIC SECTOR
• New Scheme New entrants only Across all public and civil servants
Legislation by end 2010
• Benefits in line with Private sector Integrated with Social Welfare Based on Career Earnings
Annual Accrual Rate NRA 66 - 70
21
PUBLIC SECTOR
• Contributions at 6.5% On all pensionable income
• Fast accrual Remains for Guards, Army Added Years gone
• Applies to TDs, Judges, President in line with Private sector Based on Career Earnings
• Possible CPI for Existing Pensioners
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Miscellaneous
• Flexible Working State pension age to rise to 68
• Tracing benefits Tracing mechanism Possible Dormant pensions Fund
• Financial Education By the Banks!! 6 months Reports from IBF on Progress