Press releases

Our latest news and press topics

Thank you for wanting to know more about the news we share. To make it easy to keep up with the latest goings-on, we've compiled all of our latest media updates in one spot for you to browse and download at your leisure.

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Latest news

Royal London Ireland announces new charity partnership with Breakthrough Cancer Research tackling cancer inequalities

Royal London Ireland, one of the leading life insurance and pensions companies in Ireland, has announced a new €115k charity partnership with Breakthrough Cancer Research tackling cancer inequalities.

Royal London announce Ireland rugby player Aoibheann Reilly as Brand Ambassador ahead of inaugural Women’s Lions Tour

Following the announcement of the first-ever Lions Women’s tour, set to take place in 2027 in New Zealand, Royal London has announced Aoibheann Reilly as the organisation’s new brand ambassador

How do I choose between a PRSA or personal pension plan?

Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead looks at some points to consider when deciding between a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) or personal pension plan.

The girls in green legacy: Seeing televised professional sport provides a real incentive to take it up, but access to local clubs is vital

New research from Royal London and Royal London Ireland, the proud founding partner of the first British and Irish Lions Women’s Rugby Tour shows that, 24% of parents surveyed across Ireland believe that the more sport is shown on TV, the more likely their children are to take it up. A further 15% of parents shared that their children embraced team sports after witnessing them live professionally, while an equal percentage stated that their kids found inspiration in sporting role models seen on TV.

Women in Finance Charter

Royal London Ireland is proud to have been a founding signatory to the Women in Finance Charter in April 2022. As a signatory, we committed to improving the number of women in management and board level positions to achieve better gender balance and a more inclusive working environment. Today, we are pleased to report that we have exceeded our 2023 target of 38% of females in senior level roles with 39.5% of these roles now occupied by females, with 43% female representation at Board level.

New Year’s resolution that could mean thousands in savings

At the start of the year, thousands of smokers make it their New Year's resolution to quit smoking for good. One of the leading life insurance and pensions companies in Ireland, Royal London Ireland, is calling on ex-smokers to reap the financial benefits that quitting can have when it comes to how much they are paying for their life insurance. If you successfully quit the habit since January 2023 or earlier, it can mean substantially reduced life insurance premiums, in some cases by up to 50pc.

The gender sports gap is closing in Irish schools but rugby still lagging behind

The gender sports gap is narrowing according to new research from Royal London, though there’s still significant variation, depending on the sport. The research follows the announcement of the first-ever Lions Women’s tour, set to take place in 2027 in New Zealand. As Founding Partner, Royal London is committed to championing and supporting women’s rugby, and to making a difference by helping to level the playing field for this and future generations.

ESG Index Survey 2023

Royal London Ireland releases 2nd ESG Sentiment Index revealing: More than half the Irish public believe in ‘People Power’ when it comes to protecting our planet, with 51% stating small changes made on an individual level, or in the home, can make a big difference.

Annual Salary of a Stay at Home Parent could cost an estimated €54,590 per annum according to Royal London Ireland survey

According to a recent survey conducted by Royal London Ireland of 1000 adults across the country, only 8% valued the cost to employ someone to perform the duties of a stay-at-home parent at over €50k. Its research found the cost to employ someone to do the ‘duties’ performed by stay-at-home mams and dads would be an estimated €54,590 per annum.

Just Three in Ten Anticipate Retiring at State Retirement Age according to Royal London Ireland Survey

Early retirement is only a likely reality for approximately 21% of Irish workers. According to a recent survey conducted by Royal London Ireland of 900 workers across the country , three in ten (30%) say that based on their current financial situation, they are likely to retire at the current state retirement age of 66, while a similar number expect to retire at 70.

How do I make sure my ARF is inherited tax-free?

The value of having an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) is that it can be transferred to your surviving spouse/civil partner or be passed to your estate when you die. Depending on who inherits the money, different levels of tax will apply. Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead explains the most tax efficient way to pass on an ARF and the tax implications of leaving an ARF to a child.

Do I need to make the pension contribution before November 15 to be able to claim tax relief on it?

Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead discusses some points to consider about making a payment into a pension policy and claiming tax relief against the previous year.

I'm 40 years old and have never had a pension. How can I choose the right pension for me?

According to Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland, it's never too late to start a pension. The tax relief on pension contributions makes it an exceptionally wise financial choice. Read more about considerations he raises when thinking of taking out a pension.

How do I know if I’m putting my money into genuine green investments or into investments that help companies pursue good social agendas?

You may choose sustainable investments for many reasons, such as ethical beliefs or to manage risks associated with transitioning to a greener economy or to generate returns from investment opportunities. Deciding what it is you are trying to achieve with your investment is a good first step. Read more in this article from Jason Walsh, Fund Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland.

What is income sustainability, and why is it important to consider when planning for retirement?

Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead explains income sustainability and how its important to consider the level of funds you will need to finance the type of retirement you see for yourself.

How can I make sure to get myself into a financial position to retire at 55?

Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead explains how people often underestimate the amount of money they need to have saved up for retirement, as well as the amount they will spend at that stage of their lives. When thinking about how much you need to fund a comfortable retirement, plan your retirement spending carefully so that you don’t run out of money too quickly.

Can you transfer a retirement bond to a personal retirement savings account (PRSA)?

Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead explains how you can transfer your pension benefits into a Personal Retirement Bond if you are leaving your employment, you are leaving your current pension scheme, or if your company pension scheme is finishing up.

The need for cash: 50% of people carry no more than €20 cash in their wallet

The Royal London Ireland survey, which examined the use of cash by people in Ireland, found that the top five reasons people needed cash regularly was to pay for small daily grocery items such as milk and bread (58pc), to pay service providers who prefer cash (38pc), to buy lunch or take-away coffee or tea (34pc), to give tips (32pc), and to donate to charity (27pc).

Do I have to buy an annuity with my PRB or can I invest in an Approved Retirement Fund?

It's important to weigh up the pros and cons of annuities and ARFs before deciding which option to take up at retirement. Read more here from Mark Reilly, Pension Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland.

If I invest in an ARF, would I have to pay tax on annual withdrawals?

When you invest a sum of money in an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) on retirement, once you are aged 60 or over for a full tax year, you'll have to drawdown at least 4% from it each year. Withdrawals from an ARF are treated as income and taxed under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. Read more on this from Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland.

My employers Defined Benefit scheme is winding up, what should I do?

Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland suggests options to consider when an employers Defined Benefit scheme is winding up.

What retirement income should I be targeting and how can I hit that target?

The key to building up a suitable pension for retirement is to start saving early and to save enough into it to fund a comfortable lifestyle at retirement. Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland talks about points to consider and useful tools available when setting your target pension.

Should I hold off starting a pension until auto-enrolment comes in?

As pensions auto-enrolment seems to get nearer, some people may consider postponing starting their pension saving until then. However, according to Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland, its better to start saving into a pension sooner rather than waiting for auto-enrolment to be introduced. Read more here.

Six in ten workers would like to retire at 60 or before according to Royal London Ireland survey

Most Irish people would retire at the age of 60 (36pc) with 21 pc wanting to retire at the age of 50 if they could afford to, and a further one in five (18pc) would stop working today if finances allowed, a new survey by Royal London Ireland has found.

Royal London Ireland delivers record new business sales

Building on its continued growth over the past 10 years, in 2022 Royal London Ireland recorded life and pension sales of €238m (2021: €216m), as well as holding a 30.2%2 share of the Irish intermediated protection market, maintaining its market leading position.

Who is tasked with keeping an eye on investment funds?

Recent solvency issues relating to American and Swiss Banks may have given pension investors a reason to wonder who keeps an eye on their investments. In Ireland, Life Companies are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and will often have a rating from an external body, such as Standard & Poors or Moodys, which can provide a useful benchmark as to their underlying financial strength. Read more from Jason Walsh, Fund Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland as he discusses this further as well as the importance of setting a suitable investment risk level before investing in a fund.

Royal London Ireland welcomes Ireland’s Women in Finance Charter and joins as signatory

As signatory of the Charter, Royal London Ireland commits to improving the number of women in management and board level positions to achieve better gender balance and a more inclusive working environment.

How do I generate income in retirement?

People often underestimate the amount of money they will need, and the amount of time they will spend, in retirement. It is helpful when someone recognises very early into their retirement that their pension has fallen short. Read more from Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland.

What exactly is a PRB and is it a good idea?

One of the advantages of transferring your pension benefit to a PRB on a group or bulk basis, is that the charges may likely be lower than would be the case if you were transferring the benefit to an individual pension arrangement – because a number of your colleagues are also likely to be transferring their pension benefits to the same PRB. However, check the other options open to you and choose the one that benefits you most. Read more from Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland.

Royal London Ireland’s inaugural ESG Sentiment Index

Royal London Ireland’s inaugural ESG Sentiment Index reveals: Sharp lack of confidence in Ireland’s climate change agenda 50:50 split on people’s belief in financial service organisations to deliver on ESG promises

Family Carers Ireland and Royal London Ireland partner to provide support for family carers

Family Carers Ireland, the national charity supporting Ireland’s 500,000+ family carers, is delighted to announce that it has been selected as the national charity partner of Royal London Ireland, a leading life insurance and pensions provider in Ireland.

Feasibility Study into Future British & Irish Lions Women's Tour Returns Positive Findings

The British & Irish Lions is pleased to announce that a feasibility study into the possibility of holding a Lions women’s tour has been completed with positive initial findings. The study investigated key aspects of creating a Lions women’s tour with a consultation process exploring rugby, brand, commercial, financial, spectator, logistical and scheduling considerations. The feasibility study was funded by Royal London, the inaugural ‘Principal Partner’ of the Lions women’s programme and was undertaken by sports marketing agency Two Circles.

How do I make sure loved ones get the most from my ARF after I pass away

One of the main advantages of ARFs is that any money remaining in your ARF after your death can be left to your next of kin. However, you need to specify in your Will that you want your ARF left to your spouse or other family members. When planning your estate, it's also important to do what you can to reduce the inheritance tax liability for your family and any others you are planning to leave an inheritance to. Read more from Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland.

One in every two workers expect to work beyond the national retirement age of 66

In a national survey from Royal London Ireland, carried out by iReach with 1,000 adults nationwide; more women would opt to take a lower pension before the age of 66 (45pc vs. 37pc), while more men would like to be able to take a higher pension at a later date (27pc vs. 21pc).

Almost one in five (17%) people in Ireland will skip meals this winter due to the cost-of-living crisis

Our survey polled 1,000 adults throughout Ireland, as part of Royal London’s Changemaker’s Programme, which helps social enterprises find innovative ways to build people’s financial resilience and to move fairly to a sustainable world. The programme, which is in its second year, considers important social issues and the impact on people and communities as we work to improve financial resilience and move towards net zero.

Annual ‘salary’ of a stay-at-home parent could cost an estimated €53,480

And 9 in 10 people underestimate the monetary value of a stay-at-home parent – on average, valuing their ‘salary’ at €28,460

Press release: We're Ireland’s first new pension provider to enter the market in over a decade

Following a multi-million Euro investment, Royal London Ireland, the rapidly growing life and pensions provider has announced its development of new pension propositions that will be offered exclusively through Financial Brokers.

Almost 9 in 10 support changes to tax legislation for cohabiting couples

Our latest press release reveals almost 90% of people in Ireland would support an overhaul of the treatment of cohabiting couples for tax and pension entitlements.

Media Q&A: Death in Service benefit

A question from a reader on Death in Service benefit that appeared in the Irush Independent.

Housing costs will be most people’s biggest ongoing expenditure

As inflation in Ireland surges past levels not seen in 21 years1, the increasing cost of living is at the forefront of people’s minds. While the Consumer Price Index (CPI) tracks day-to-day price expenses, leading protection provider Royal London Ireland commissioned a survey aimed at understanding people’s long-term and ongoing expenses.

Media Q&A: Long-term renters exposed

This question was submitted to media by a consumer and has been answered by Karen Gallagher, Royal London Ireland's Interim Head of Proposition.

Over a Third of People Struggle to Talk about Money Worries

Men find it more difficult than women to open up about financial difficulties and almost a third would confide in either their family or friends if they have concerns about money.

Media Q&A: Pensions v Savings

This question was submitted to media by a consumer and has been answered by Mark Reilly, Royal London Ireland's Pension Propositions Lead.

Media Q&A: How to start a pension

This question was submitted to media by a consumer and has been answered by Daragh Feely, Head of Sales, Royal London Ireland.

Media Q&A: Self Employed Specified Serious Illness cover

This question was submitted to media by a consumer and has been answered by Karen Gallagher, Royal London Ireland's Interim Head of Proposition.

Media Q&A: Mortgage Protection Interest Only

This question was submitted to media by a consumer and has been answered by Barry McCutcheon, Royal London Ireland's Proposition Lead.

Unknowingly underinsured: Restructured mortgage holders

Mortgage arrears and/or mortgage restructuring arrangements may mean that thousands of homeowners in Ireland are unknowingly insufficiently covered by their mortgage protection policy.

Nearly 60% of people have no plans to switch financial provider for better value in 2022

Price increases are the most likely event to prompt people to switch their mortgage, insurance or pension provider

Media Q&A: Pension Retirement Lump Sum

This question was submitted to media by a consumer and has been answered by Barry McCutcheon, Royal London Ireland's Proposition Lead.

Media Q&A: Pensions v Savings

This question was submitted to media by a consumer and has been answered by Mark Reilly, Royal London Ireland's Pension Propositions Lead.

Media Q&A: Clearing off Mortgage Balance

This question was submitted to media by a consumer and has been answered by Barry McCutcheon, Royal London Ireland's Proposition Lead.

Worry families renting long-term are financially exposed

“Average national rents increased by 6.8% in 2021, compared to the first nine months of 2020, according to the latest Daft Rental Report.* This increase reflects a ‘weak supply’ of rental properties ‘in the face of very strong demand’ – with Daft reporting that at the start of November last year the national supply of rental properties was just 1,460, the lowest seen since its series reporting began in 2006.

Middle-Aged People Now Smoke More Than Young Adults

January is a time when many people set new health goals, and those that smoke might decide that this year they will give up the bad habit once and for all. If you’re a smoker considering quitting, you could be further incentivised knowing that those who successfully quit smoking in January 2021 may be able to avail of substantially reduced life insurance premiums, say experts at Royal London.

Men in Ireland Value Themselves 64% More than Women

Women appear to be underprovided for financially when it comes to life insurance. New research reveals that men in Ireland insure themselves on average for 64% more Life Cover compared to women, and 26% more for Specified Serious Illness Cover.

42% of people place more value on the role of stay-at-home parents following Covid-19 lockdowns

However, 85% still grossly underestimate the monetary value of the stay-at-home mam or dad by approximately €20,000.

Remote working: Almost one in three would consider relocating to live

Almost one in three people in Ireland would consider relocating to live, now that remote working has become the norm for many. This is according to the latest survey from leading protection specialist Royal London which found 18% of people are in favour of moving to the countryside or town, 8% would consider moving abroad and 5% would move to an Irish city.

Royal London launches Changemakers campaign

Each year, our Changemakers programme will find innovative ways to build financial resilience across Ireland and the UK. We’re excited to announce the first ten Changemakers we’ll be collaborating with.

New brand ambassadors

Royal London is welcoming rugby players Claire Molloy and Shaunagh Brown as Royal London Ambassadors alongside the brand sponsorship of The British & Irish Lions. Working with Claire and Shaunagh, Royal London aims to shine a light on women’s rugby, raising its profile in the wider sporting community and working to break down barriers currently holding women and young girls back from participating in rugby.

Minding your Wellbeing

Our new survey reveals that 81% of people in Ireland have changed the way they approach looking after their own wellbeing, and 89% say they now place greater importance on freedom than they have in the past.

Public sympathy wanes for people trying to buy their first home

Less than half of the public (47%) believe that it’s more difficult than ever to buy your first home in Ireland, according to research by leading protection specialist Royal London

Physical and mental health is the number one priority for 50% of the Irish public in 2021

Five in ten people in Ireland plan to make health, be it physical or mental, their focus this year.

Claire Molloy on the top 5 things that a Women’s Lion’s team could bring to the game

Claire Molloy, renowned Irish Women’s Rugby Union international player, shares the top 5 things a Women’s Lions team could bring to the game as a whole.

Almost 6 in 10 people do not have a will in place

Over half the population (59%) have not taken steps to put a legal will in place, while 34% say they’ve been meaning to, but just haven’t gotten around to it.

Lions agree strategic partnership with Royal London

Royal London has announced a new partnership with The British & Irish Lions, becoming the ‘Principal Partner’ of the Women’s Lions Programme.

Health overtakes money as the Irish public’s biggest concern in 2021

Three out of ten people in Ireland say that health is their biggest worry in 2021, according to our latest survey, and worry about loneliness has doubled in 12 months.

2020’s “Quitters” Could be in Line for Huge Savings

January is a time when many smokers make it their New Year’s resolution to give up smoking once and for all. After the expense of Christmas, it may come as welcome news to anyone who has successfully managed to quit since January 2020 or before, that this year their life insurance premiums may be reduced dramatically.

Worry that Long-term Renters are Financially Exposed without Life Insurance

Ireland's 320,000 plus long-term rental households may be in a precarious position with the absence of the financial security that mortgage protection provides to homeowners.

Calls for Changes to Old Age Pension to Allow Both Early and Deferred Access

Currently, the State Pension can only be accessed at age 66, but the experts at Royal London contend that this one size fits all approach is no longer appropriate and is not in the best interests of Irish retirees.

More than 4 in 10 adults expect State Pension to fund retirement

41% of adults in Ireland say that they will be relying on the State Pension as their primary source of income to fund them in retirement, according to a survey by Royal London.

Revealed: The differing attitudes towards weighing habits

A new nationwide survey from Royal London has shed light on the level of importance people in Ireland place on weighing themselves.

Almost half of people struggle to talk about death with family

Almost half of us would struggle to speak comfortably about the topic of death with our family, and 74% regret conversations we did not get a chance to have with loved ones before they passed. These are the findings of Royal London’s “Let’s Talk About Death” Survey Series, whereby 1000+ adults from throughout the country were asked questions on a variety of death related topics.

Lost for Words

Royal London has partnered with renowned portrait and fashion photographer Rankin to encourage the conversation around death, both in Ireland and the UK, with a free digital exhibition, Lost for Words, launching 16th November 2020.

71% of adults in Ireland have not made funeral cost provisions

Thinking about our own funeral and how much it will cost is, understandably, not something most of us spend a lot of time dwelling on. This is a sentiment that the majority of adults in Ireland agree with, according to latest findings from our survey.

More than 8 in 10 people underestimate the value of stay-at-home parents

More than 8 in 10 people in Ireland underestimate the monetary value of a stay-at-home parent, believing it to be approximately €28,000 per year. However, pay-scale data suggest the figure could be over €47,000.

An active nation: one third of us exercise every day. 55-year olds and over are most likely age group to exercise daily

We are an active nation. Such were the findings from the Royal London Survey which reveals that 68% of people in Ireland exercise at least every couple of days, if not more.

Royal London Ireland Appoints New Chief Executive

Noel Freeley has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Royal London Insurance DAC, in Ireland.

3 in 10 of us will be Paying our Mortgage in Retirement

Just 38% of people in Ireland believe they’ll have their mortgage paid off before they reach 60 years of age, and 29% predict that they will be still be repaying their mortgage when they are 65 and over.

Women in Ireland far more focused on health than men in 2020

What will you focus on this year? That was the question posed by leading protection specialist Royal London to 1,000 people nationwide, in the latest instalment of its protection survey series.

Thousands of ex-smokers could cash in on New Year's resolution

Recent cost analysis reveals the substantial savings ex-smokers could potentially make on life cover.

4 in 10 say starting a family when aged 30+ is “ideal”

A survey conducted by Royal London reveals that 52% of adults in Ireland believe 25-30 is the ‘ideal age’ to start a family.

Personal Finances

Our survey reveals people in Ireland's perceptions of their personal finances with 66% of adults seeing themselves as financially stable to varying degrees.

Royal London first-in-market to launch new, innovative, impact-based protection product ‘Multi-Claim Protection Cover’

A new, first-in-market and unique protection product has been launched in Ireland by leading protection specialist Royal London, Multi-Claim Protection Cover (MCPC).

Consumer Question

We have standard mortgage protection as necessitated by my lender, with another 20 years left on our mortgage. Would it be wise for me to look at boosting my insurance cover with some income protection?

Consumer Question

I’ve just had my third child and have been advised to put some insurance in place, but after making some enquiries, I’m pretty confused and have a limited budget. What’s the difference between Life, Serious illness and Permanent Health insurance?

9 in 10 people underestimate the value of stay-at-home parents

9 in 10 people in Ireland underestimate the monetary value of a stay-at-home parent. This is one of the primary findings of a recent survey from protection specialist Royal London, which found the average salary value people would place on the role of a stay-at-home mother or father was €27,500, while wage figure estimates suggest the actual amount could be nearly €44,000.

65% believe it is “harder than ever” to secure your first home

65% of people believe it’s harder than ever to buy your first home in Ireland. This is the primary finding of a survey (see appendix) from leading protection specialist, Royal London, which sought to find out Irish people’s views around the challenges currently faced by First Time Buyers (FTBs).

4 in 10 People in Ireland Weigh Themselves at Least Once a Month

Following a recent CSO report which highlighted that 62% of the Irish population is now either overweight or obese, Royal London has released findings from a recent survey which shows that 4 in 10 Irish adults weigh themselves at least once a month.

Twice as many people worry about ‘money’ compared to ‘health’

Leading protection specialist, Royal London, have asked the Irish public what is likely to be their biggest source of personal worry and what they plan to focus their attentions on during 2019.

Almost 60% of Irish people know someone who has been affected by mental health issues

A survey conducted earlier this year by protection specialist Royal London, has found that 58% of people in Ireland know someone who has been affected by mental health problems.

Smokers Pay Way Higher for Life Cover

Smokers can pay twice as much for life insurance than their non-smoking counterparts, according to figures released today by leading protection specialist Royal London.

Royal London Opens Ireland Subsidiary

Royal London today announces the opening of ROYAL LONDON INSURANCE DAC, its subsidiary in Ireland.

Royal London Calls for Establishment of Centralised Register of Wills

Wills Register could speed up succession delays and prevent probate revocation

41% say between 25 and 29 years is the ideal age for a 'first time buyer – well below the national average of 34 years

Move out of home before you’re 24 and have your first house bought before you’re 29. This is the ideal scenario when it comes to living situations in Ireland, according to the latest consumer survey from leading protection specialist Royal London.

Thousands of struggling mortgage holders left financially exposed

Study finds that many families who’ve been through the stress of mortgage arrears and restructure are now underinsured and may be left with a shortfall.

Survey reveals Irish public opinion on how to solve the housing crisis

A survey from leading protection specialist Royal London has revealed that more than 1 in 4 people believe the onus is on the Government to solve the housing crisis by building more new houses itself.

Study finds that 47% of people in Ireland classify themselves as overweight

A new Royal London survey reveals that 42% of Irish people classify themselves as ‘overweight’ while a further 5% consider themselves ‘obese’.

Twice as many people worry about ‘money’ compared to ‘health’

Leading protection specialist, Royal London, have asked the Irish public what is likely to be their biggest source of personal worry and what they plan to focus their attentions on during 2019.