Tánaiste announces David Begg as Chair of the Pensions Authority

 The Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton T.D., has today (Wednesday, 13 January, 2016) announced David Begg as incoming Chairperson of the Pensions Authority for a five-year term.  Mr. Begg will take over from Jane Williams who had been Chairperson since June 2010 until now.

David Begg brings extensive strategic and corporate governance expertise to the role.  His broad range of experience at corporate level includes periods as Chief Executive of Concern Worldwide, Director of the Central Bank, and member of the National Economic and Social Council. He is former General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Mr Begg will assume his responsibilities at a time of economic recovery and will look to utilise this to enhance the sustainability and adequacy of the pensions system. This will include continuing current efforts aimed at reform and simplification of our pensions system and achieving improved levels of retirement provision, enhanced governance standards and better member communication and engagement.

The Tánaiste said: “I am pleased to announce the appointment of David Begg as Chairman of the Pensions Authority.  David brings wide-ranging public sector, business and economic experience to the role combined with a strong background in policy and strategy development.  As former General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Mr Begg’s demonstrated ability to work with different perspectives will prove invaluable in identifying strategic opportunities as well as developing solutions to the complex challenges currently facing the pensions sector.

“I wish David Begg every success in his position and I am confident he will be able to build on the pension reforms made in recent years.  As we seek to improve levels of pension provision, the role of the Authority will be key in the reform and simplification of the pensions landscape, in ensuring schemes operate effectively and in providing a regulatory structure which gives pension savers confidence in the system.”

The Tánaiste thanked Jane Williams, the outgoing Chairperson. “I would like to sincerely thank the outgoing Chairperson Jane Williams for her achievements including steering the office of the Pensions Regulator through a process of organisational reform which culminated in the restructuring of the former Pensions Board and the establishment of the Pensions Authority.  I would also like to pay tribute to Jane for the improvements to regulation she oversaw and for her general oversight during a particularly difficult and economically challenging period.  She has made a significant public service contribution.”