Certificate in Pensions Law and Applied Trusteeship

Programme objectives

On completion of this training programme, participants will have:

• An excellent understanding of the key legal issues pertaining to current pensions law and practice and trusteeship in Ireland.
• A comprehensive understanding of pensions legislation and all relevant pensions regulatory bodies.
• A detailed knowledge and understanding of the obligations  and duties of trustees under the Pensions Act 1990 as amended , regulations and trust law principles.
• A thorough knowledge of the main pension scheme structures and what changes are expected to the pensions landscape in Ireland;
• Up to date information on the latest pensions developments in Ireland such as the IORP II Directive, Master Trusts, pension scheme consolidation and auto enrolment.
• Confidence in dealing with challenging issues such as pensions adjustment orders, taxation, mergers and acquisitions;
• A familiarity with recent case law and legislation which all have wide-ranging implications for trustees.

Programme structure and approach to learning

This course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the most up-to-date position on pensions law and trusteeship in Ireland. Delivered by experienced professionals, the course begins with an examination of the legislative and regulatory framework applicable to pensions in Ireland. The functions and powers of the Pensions Authority, the Revenue Commissioners, and the Pensions Ombudsman are reviewed, as are the respective duties and obligations of both the employer and the trustees of a pension scheme.

The certificate will analyse the main pension scheme structures, such as defined contribution, defined benefit, personal pension plans and recent developments in the area including implementation of IORPs ll , Master Trusts and auto enrolment. The course will focus on the obligations of trustees, enabling them to fulfil their duties and will give insight into handling of challenging issues such as underfunding, scheme wind-ups, pensions adjustment orders, taxation, mergers and acquisitions, and scheme restructuring.

Modules

The programme is based on the following module scheme:

Module 1: Legislation and Regulatory Framework

• Course introduction,
• Legislative and regulatory framework,
• The Pensions Ombudsman,
• The Pensions Authority.
• Other relevant regulatory authorities.

Module 2: The Future of Pensions in Ireland

• The future of pensions in Ireland,
• Master Trusts, pension scheme consolidation,
• Auto enrolment, the future of defined benefit schemes.

Module 3: Pension Scheme Structures; Pension Adjustment Orders; Pensions in Commercial Transactions

• The main types of pension schemes,
• Public sector pensions,
• Pension adjustment orders,
• Pensions in a commercial transaction.

Module 4: The Role of Trustees; Employer Obligations

• The role of pension scheme trustees,
• Trustees obligations under the Pensions Act as amended and regulations.
• Pension investment issues,
• Employer obligations.

Module 5: Taxation Issues ; Winding Up & Restructuring of Schemes; Post-Retirement Issues; Scheme Governance

• Taxation issues,
• Winding-up and restructuring of pension schemes,
• Pension scheme governance, management and oversight.

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