Nationwide Survey Reveals Widespread Public Support for Auto-Enrolment

There is strong support for the Government’s upcoming Auto-Enrolment (AE) scheme, with more than eight in ten (84%) Irish adults believing that it is fair to automatically sign workers up for the pension scheme. This is according to the findings of a new survey ^[1] of 1,000 adults nationwide by Ask Acorn, a nationwide network of financial intermediaries.

The survey examined public opinion around the AE scheme, which is due to be rolled out on January 1, 2026^[2] . Under AE, workers aged between 23 and 60 who earn more than €20,000 and are not already in an occupational pension scheme would automatically be enrolled in AE. These workers will have the option to opt out after six months. However, the research suggests they are unlikely to do so, with almost nine in ten (87%) of those eligible for AE saying they are likely to remain in the pension scheme once enrolled.

While these findings show a strong appetite for AE and signal a positive shift toward broader pension coverage, Ask Acorn experts warn that this could lead some workers to a false sense of financial security.

Commenting on the survey findings, Keith Butler, CEO of Ask Acorn, said:

“People who may have previously been putting off pension planning could see their auto-enrolment as a “job done” moment, when in fact the scheme might not be the most suitable or sufficient option for their individual retirement needs.

The powers that be should be very encouraged by the feedback from this research. Even more important than the fact that so many support the fairness of the auto-enrolment itself is the fact that so many of those eligible plan to remain in the scheme. If nothing else, these results should be viewed by those with responsibility for the rollout as a compelling reason to ensure there are no further delays.

That said, we must be mindful that auto-enrolment might lead some people, especially those who haven’t yet thought seriously about pensions, to believe they’re ‘covered’ without seeking proper advice. For some, this scheme will be a good fit. But for others, particularly those with different income levels, career paths or retirement goals, AE could fall short of delivering the retirement they’re expecting. Workers should absolutely be proactive in taking some advice to determine whether AE is truly the right vehicle for their needs, or whether the roll-out is just the prompt they need to take action around their financial plans for the future.”

Headline findings from the Ask Acorn Auto-Enrolment Survey reveal that:

On the question of “fairness”…

• More than four in ten (42%) Irish adults believe it’s “very fair” that workers would be automatically enrolled to the pension scheme, with a further four in ten (42%) describing it as “somewhat fair”.
• One in six (16%) feel the compulsory enrolment of workers to the scheme is either “somewhat” or “very” unfair.
• The youngest age cohort surveyed (18–24-year-olds) are the most likely to feel it is “very unfair” to automatically sign workers up to AE, with 10% of this age group expressing this opinion, compared to only 2% of 25–34-year-olds, 3% of those aged 55+, and 4% of 35–44 and 45–54-year-olds.
• Women are slightly more likely than men to consider it fair that workers be automatically enrolled in AE (86% versus 82%).

To Stay or Go…

• Six in ten (60%) indicated they are “very likely” to stay in the pension scheme once enrolled, while a further 27% said they are “somewhat likely”.
• One in ten (10%) said they are “likely” to opt out of the scheme with a further 3% saying they would “definitely” do so.
• With almost four in ten (37%) 18–24 year olds stating they would leave the scheme, the youngest age group surveyed emerged as the most likely to opt out. One in five (19%) of 25–34 year olds said they would opt out. The age cohorts least likely to opt out are the 35–44 year-olds and those aged 55+, with less than one in ten (9%) of these age groups stating they would leave the scheme.
• Women are slightly more likely to stay in AE than men (90% versus 85%). While numbers were small, men are five times more likely than women to say they would “definitely” opt out of the scheme (5% versus 1%).

Mr Butler added:

“The statistics speak to a very obvious demand and need for the scheme. One third of Irish workers have no pension coverage outside the State pension^[3]. And more than half (53%) of the workers who don’t have a company pension scheme are in that position because their employer does not offer one^[4].

And of course, there will be some people who are not happy with the scheme and who want to engage. But the numbers are relatively small. If nothing else, the rollout of the scheme might prompt people to take action themselves by setting up their own private pension.

It is perhaps understandable that the youngest age group appear most reluctant to join AE. Pensions are often not a priority for this age group as travel, studies, establishing a career or even paying the rent might be their more pressing concerns. However, if you are working, saving into a pension from a young age, even small amounts, has huge financial benefits. Given the concerns around the sustainability of the State pension, it is perhaps the youngest who stand to benefit most from AE.

But the key message is this: AE is a welcome move but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone eligible should be looking closely at what the scheme offers and considering independent advice. For some, AE may be the beginning and end of their pension journey. But for many, it should be the spark that prompts further, more personalised retirement planning.

It is important the Government rolls out AE soon and that it does it right. Auto-enrolment has real potential to address the country’s pension coverage gap. However, it is important that the AE start date, which was recently pushed back from 30 September 2025 to 1 January 2026, is not delayed again. Let’s not forget that AE was originally planned for early January 2024^[5].”