This document provides a synopsis on the pensions systems in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The structure of pension provision in both jurisdictions is broadly similar – a state pension system which provides a basic income in retirement supported by voluntary additional
pensions which can be workplace or personal pensions. Major reforms of both pension systems are planned. In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the default retirement age is set to rise gradually as a result of increasing longevity. The full paper is available below:

CARDI Briefing Paper: Pensions policy in Ireland, North and South

Key facts

• The full Basic State Pension in Northern Ireland is £97.65 per
week for a single person. This is 27% of the average salary.

• In the Republic of Ireland, the contributory State Pension is worth
€230.30 per week for someone with maximum social insurance
contributions. This is 33% of the average salary.

• The State Pension Age is due to rise to 68 in 2028 in the Republic of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, it will rise to 66 for men in 2016 with further rises planned.

• 51% of workers in the UK and 54% of workers in the Republic of
Ireland save into a pension scheme.