Article
Pension Auto-enrolment: What we know so far
The new Auto-enrolment pension scheme is finally set to be introduced late this year. The new scheme will have an impact on employers that do not operate a workplace pension scheme already.
Pension Auto-enrolment has been a discussed in Ireland for many years and it finally looks set to be introduced later this year. Here is what we know about the scheme so far ...
What is Auto-enrolment?
Auto-enrolment is a new pension savings scheme for certain employees who are not already paying into a pension. These employees will be automatically included in the scheme once the scheme commences.
A new Central Processing Authority will be set up to administer the Auto-enrolment scheme.
Under the scheme, the employee, the employer and Government will all pay a certain amount into the employee’s pension fund.
What does Auto-enrolment scheme mean for employers?
If you do not already have a workplace pension scheme established, all your employees that meet the scheme’s requirements will be enrolled into the auto-enrolment pension.
Employer Contributions
You will need to match the contributions made by employees. The amount an employee pays will be a set rate of their annual salary. Employers will match the contributions and the Government will contribute an additional amount. Employees cannot pay more or less than the set rate.
The employer and employee will pay 1.5% of the employee’s annual salary into the pension in the first year. This will increase to 6% by year 10.
The table below sets out the rates you, your employee and the Government will pay:
Year |
Employee Contribution Rate |
Employer Pays |
Government Pays |
| 1 to 3 | 1.5% | 1.5% | 0.5% |
| 4 to 6 | 3% | 3% | 1% |
| 7 to 9 | 4.5% | 4.5% | 1.5% |
| 10 and after | 6% | 6% | 2% |
Tax
Penalties
Who will be enrolled in the scheme?
- aged between 23 and 60
- are not currently part of a pension plan
- They earn €20,000 or more per year
When is Auto-enrolment being introduced in Ireland?
What should employers do now to get ready for Auto-enrolment?
Date published 19 Jan 2024 | Last updated 19 Jan 2024
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