I Already Have a Pension — Does Auto-Enrolment Affect Me?
It depends on what type of pension you have. Here's the short answer:
If you have a workplace/occupational pension
You will NOT be auto-enrolled.Your existing workplace pension is sufficient, so the scheme doesn't apply to you. Nothing changes on your payslip.
If you only have a personal pension or PRSA (no employer scheme)
You MAY be auto-enrolled.A personal PRSA that your employer doesn't contribute to is not considered a "workplace pension" for auto-enrolment purposes. If you meet the other criteria (aged 23-60, earning over €20,000), you could be enrolled.
Can I have both?
Yes.Auto-enrolment doesn't replace your existing private pension. You can contribute to both. However, you might want to compare whether the auto-enrolment scheme (with its 0.10% charge and state top-up) is better value than your existing arrangement.
Quick Decision Guide
Employed + workplace pension (employer contributes)
Not auto-enrolled
Nothing to do. Your existing scheme continues.
Employed + personal PRSA only (no employer contributions)
Likely auto-enrolled
Check your payslip. You may now have two pensions running.
Employed + no pension at all
Auto-enrolled
Great! You're now saving for retirement.
Self-employed
Not auto-enrolled
Consider a PRSA — you get 20%/40% tax relief instead.
Should I consolidate?
If you end up with both auto-enrolment and a separate PRSA, you have options:
- 1.Keep both running — more diversification, but harder to track
- 2.Opt out of auto-enrolment — only if your existing pension is clearly better AND your employer contributes to it
- 3.Stop your PRSA, keep auto-enrolment — the 0.10% charge is hard to beat, plus you get the state top-up
The right choice depends on your employer contributions, charges, and fund performance. A regulated financial advisor can help you compare.
Compare your options
Use our tools to see how auto-enrolment stacks up against your current arrangement.
This is general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a regulated financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.