THOSE wishing to submit proposals on amendments to future pension policy in Ireland have just three more days to do so. This Friday, May 30th, is the deadline for submissions. It is "the final deadline for anyone wishing to influence the future direction of national pensions legislation", according to a statement from the Pensions Board. The key issues to be addressed in the pensions policy initiative are the overall objectives of policy, the extent of state involvement in regard to pensions and whether private pension provision should be mandatory or voluntary.

Ms Anne Maher, chief executive of the Pensions Board, said that the initiative is an opportunity for everyone to influence what will happen to their pension entitlements in the years ahead. More than half the workforce will depend on the State pension, she said, and this level of pension will not be sufficient to maintain expected standards of living in the years to come.

"The Pensions Board would, therefore, urge everyone to take full advantage of this opportunity to have a say in the direction of future pension policy," she said.

Submissions should be sent to the Pensions Board, Holbrook House, Holles Street, Dublin 2. A freefone helpline is available to facilitate enquiries from the public. The number is: 1800-303132.