The Irish Government has unveiled comprehensive legislation for a new auto-enrolment pension scheme called My Future Fund, due to launch on 1 January 2026.

This initiative addresses a long-standing gap in retirement savings currently, only around 35% of private sector employees have supplementary pension schemes. The legislation, passed in 2024, aims to make saving for retirement easier for workers while simplifying pension provision for employers.

Over the next four years, Irish businesses will see a significant transformation in payroll regulations, systems, and compliance obligations. From SEPA file updates to pension auto-enrolment and gender pay gap reporting, employers need to act now to prepare for what’s coming.

Ireland’s retirement framework is set to change significantly with the introduction of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025. This legislation will provide employees with the right to remain in work until the State Pension Age (currently 66) even where their employment contract specifies an earlier retirement age, such as 65 or below.

The introduction of pension auto-enrolment on 30 September 2025 presents significant budgeting challenges for Irish employers. Clearly understanding and proactively planning for these implications is essential for maintaining financial stability.

The impending introduction of pension auto-enrolment in 2025 is set to significantly impact Irish employers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This government initiative aims to increase the number of people saving for retirement by automatically enrolling eligible employees into pension schemes. While the goal is commendable, the practical implications for businesses, especially SMEs, could be far-reaching.

The government has announced details of new legislation for the auto-enrolment pensions savings scheme. It’s designed to encourage workers to save for their retirement and make it more straightforward for businesses to offer a workplace pension option.