Media speculation suggests the Government will change rules for insolvent pensions and plans to launch a new Pensions Insolvency Payment Scheme (PIPS) to protect workers at failing Irish companies.
Under reforms announced by the Government last night, pensioners in defined-benefit pension schemes which are being wound up face having their pension levels frozen until existing workers receive their share of benefits.
In future, former as well as current employees will have to share some of the pain in the event of defined-benefit schemes being restructured.
PIPS will be aimed at workers and retirees on defined benefit pension schemes (which guarantee a payout on retirement) should their employer go into liquidation.
Under the plans, pension funds will pay a sum to the Exchequer to cover the cost of pensions for retired members, instead of buying annuities.
Annuities are usually purchased from insurance companies to provide an ongoing source of income for retired workers.
The announcement comes as the Irish government attempt to bring the State's finances in order.