Roadshows to highlight new pension scheme for Irish stable staff

Details of a new stable staff pension scheme in Ireland will be given at a series of roadshows over the coming weeks.

Trainers and stable staff are being asked to attend the roadshows which are scheduled for Clayton Silver Springs Hotel, Cork (October 4), Dunboyne Castle Hotel, County Meath (October 5) and the Ballykisteen Golf Hotel, Tipperary (October 9).

The new defined contribution pension scheme, which is aimed at providing a meaningful benefit at retirement for long-standing employees, has been developed by a committee of representatives of Horse Racing Ireland, the Turf Club, the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association and the Irish Stable Staff Association.

The new scheme will continue to be funded by the proportion of prize-money deducted from trainers. Staff benefiting from the scheme will not have to make a contribution.

Separate provision will be made for employees of Northern Ireland trainers who meet the eligibility criteria.

Margaret Davin, chairperson of the committee of management of the Stable Employees Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, said: "Although it seems as if this scheme is a long time coming, it has been a complex process and we are confident that it will be a positive step forward for both trainers and stable staff.

"We would encourage as many as possible to attend the roadshows to get an understanding of the scheme.”