The AOEP Executive is aware of criticism of the recommended change from Alternative to Standard. The procedure is complex and new to the Executive. The change follows developments and analyses which became available after the initial recommendation. No votes are wasted because the most important number is 25% of the AOEP members must cast a vote to initiate the process, regardless of which way they vote. Please be assured the Executive is working to achieve the best interests of its members.
The following compares the 2 options
| (Main Fund) | ||
| Feature | Standard Arrangement | Alternative Arrangement |
| Member trustee selection | Nominees are proposed by 10 members. The nominees are then vetted by the employer. An election by PR follows | Three trustee nominees selected by the TUA one trustee elected by the members |
| Who appoints trustees? | Four nominees are appointed by the Employer in accordance with the election result. | Employer appoints all trustees (4 employer + 4 member‑side). Including 1 pensioner elected |
| Pensioner representation | No guaranteed pensioner seat. Likelyhood of more than 1 | 1 member‑side seat reserved for a pensioner. |
| Total trustees | 8 total (4 employer + 4 elected). | 8 total (4 employer + 4 member‑side). |
| Chairperson selection | Joint selection by employer + member trustees. | Employer holds appointment/removal power (subject to law). |
| Member influence | High — direct elections. | Moderate — nominations only; employer appoints. |
| eircom No. 2 Superannuation Fund | ||
| Feature | Standard Arrangement | Alternative Arrangement |
| Member trustee selection | Nominees are proposed by 10 members. The nominees are then vetted by the employer. An election by PR follows | Three trustees are nominated by the TUA. One pensioner trustee is elected by the membership |
| Who appoints trustees? | Three nominees are appointed by the employer in accordance with the election result | Minister appoints 2; Employer appoints 6. |
| Pensioner representation | No guaranteed pensioner seat. | 1 of the 4 member‑side seats reserved for a pensioner. |
| Total trustees | 6 total (3 employer + 3 elected). Usually the Minister appoints 2 amounting to 8 in total. | 8 total (2 Minister + 6 Employer). |
| Chairperson rules | Standard Section 62 rules. | Employer + Minister retain appointment powers. |
| Member influence | High — direct elections. | Lower — nominations only; employer appoints. |