The Irish Pensions Authority has outlined the phased rollout of its new European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) reporting regime, publishing further guidance and a Q&A document to help pension schemes prepare for mandatory data submissions.

The authority confirmed that reporting will begin with all master trusts and the 25 largest defined contribution (DC) and defined benefit (DB) schemes by assets from the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, and will be extended to all Irish IORPs in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The authority has contacted all schemes due to report from Q3.

The authority first signalled plans to introduce eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) reporting for pension schemes at its annual conference in September 2025 and published an update in May 2026 setting out further details of the proposed reporting framework.

It said the reporting framework is based on EIOPA's reporting templates, instructions and Q&A, but acknowledged that implementation will require system development, data mapping and further clarification.

The authority said it will provide additional guidance and continue engaging with the sector ahead of the formal reporting requirements.

Trustees and their administrators have been urged to ensure their systems are capable of producing timely and accurate data in the required XBRL format and begin planning for data extraction and mapping.

While reporting may be carried out on their behalf, the authority stressed that trustees remain ultimately responsible for the accuracy of the data submitted.

All IORPs will be required to comply with the new reporting requirements under Section 26V of the Pensions Act 1990, as amended.

The authority said the newly published Q&A document will be updated periodically as further questions are received from stakeholders.

---