NAERSA Established to Manage MyFutureFund 

The rollout of Ireland’s auto-enrolment pension scheme is moving into its next phase. Following our earlier discussion on why auto-enrolment matters for HR teams and employees alike, the government formally established the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA) on 14 October 2025, which will oversee the scheme and administer MyFutureFund, the national retirement savings plan set to launch on 1 January 2026. 

If you missed our first article, we explored the basics of Ireland’s auto-enrolment pension scheme — MyFutureFund is the official vehicle through which this scheme will operate. [Link to first article] 

As we move into 2026, the establishment of NAERSA brings clarity and momentum to the rollout of MyFutureFund, giving HR teams a clear view of how the scheme will operate and what to expect in the months ahead. 

This is a significant milestone for HR professionals preparing for auto-enrolment, as NAERSA will handle the bulk of the administrative work, helping to make the transition smoother for employers and employees alike. 

NAERSA will serve as the central authority for MyFutureFund, managing key administrative and operational tasks, including: 

• Determining eligibility for automatic enrolment 

• Enrolling eligible employees 

• Collecting employee, employer, and State contributions 

• Investing contributions and allocating returns to individual savings pots 

• Operating online portals for employees and employers to track participation, manage opt-outs, and access guidance 

By centralising administration, NAERSA reduces the workload for HR and payroll teams compared with setting up and maintaining a workplace pension scheme independently. 

• Who it covers: Employees aged 23–60 earning €20,000 or more who are not already in an occupational pension will be automatically enrolled. Participation is opt-out, with re-enrolment every two years. 

• Contributions and top-ups: Contributions start at 1.5% each from employee and employer, gradually rising to 6% over ten years. The State provides an additional top-up to help employees’ savings grow efficiently. 

• Investment choices: Employees can select from multiple strategies or stay in the default lifestyle-based option. Contributions are consolidated into a single “pot” that moves with employees if they change jobs or hold multiple employments. 

• Gradual rollout: Implementation is phased over the next decade, giving employers and employees time to adjust comfortably and understand the system. 

For HR teams, the practical implications are clear: administration is minimal, but preparation remains important. Employers will need to: 

• Complete their profile on the NAERSA employer portal 

• Set up a contribution payment method, such as direct debit 

• Inform enrolled employees of their enrolment date 

Support materials, including guides, webinars, and communications tools, will be available to help make the process as smooth as possible. 

The launch of NAERSA and MyFutureFund marks a tangible step forward in Ireland’s pension reform journey, building on the overview shared in our previous article. HR teams who stay informed now will be best placed to manage the transition effectively and help employees begin building their retirement savings. 

The introduction of MyFutureFund is a big step forward for Ireland’s pensions. With NAERSA taking care of the administrative side, employers can focus on keeping employees informed and making the transition as smooth as possible. 

While we don’t provide formal pension advice, at TechHeads we’re happy to share insights and discuss what these changes could mean for your organisation, helping HR teams feel confident as 2026 approaches.