Written answers  Wednesday, 15 February 2012  Department of
Social Protection  Pension Provisions  9:00 pm  Photo of Olivia
MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael) Link to this:
Individually | In context  Question 139: To ask the Minister for
Social Protection if funds in additional voluntary contribution
schemes can be made available for early draw down thereby
creating a more humane and flexible system which is responsive
to the reality of life of many persons living in Ireland today;
and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8648/12]  Link
to this: Individually | In context  Additional Voluntary
Contributions (AVCs) are contributions made by employees in
addition to any compulsory pension contributions they make to a
pension scheme. They are used to improve the benefits of members
over and above those provided by the pension scheme. AVCs are an
integral part of pension savings and are normally availed off by
employees to make up any shortfall they may have in their
pensions. In common with