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 new business sales up 62% in 2025

Commenting on the results, Noel Freeley, CEO of Royal London Ireland, said: “2025 was another successful year for Royal London Ireland. Because of our unrelenting focus on providing the best customer service, we achieved over 60% growth in new business sales to €569m and an operating profit of €19.8m... "

Time to deliver a better deal for savers

Ireland has an opportunity to quickly simplify the taxes applied to current savings products and to design a modern SIA that is open to all consumers. Doing so, provides clear incentives to move money from low-yield deposits into productive investment.

If I invest in an Approved Retirement Fund when I retire, will I be able to change my mind?

When you retire, you can invest in an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) and then subsequently switch to an annuity. However, as the opposite is not possible, in this consumer Q&A, Mark Reilly, Pension Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland emphasises why its important to talk to a Financial Broker when choosing the best option to suit your needs.

Can I afford to retire at 65 as planned?

It’s important to ensure that the work pension you can access at the age of 65 is adequately funded and will deliver the retirement income you are expecting from it. Mark Reilly, Pension Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland gives some suggestions on how you can achieve this.

Unretirement tax and financial considerations

Mark Reilly, Pension Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland gives an overview of some tax and financial considerations of which to be to be mindful for someone who is ‘unretiring’ and returning to work after retiring.

Royal London Ireland appoints Aoife Healy as Chief Financial Officer

In her Chief Financial Officer role, Aoife Healy will lead Royal London Ireland’s Finance function and work with the wider executive team to support growth and drive strategic decision-making that delivers long-term benefits for customers.

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Annual Salary of a Stay at Home Parent could cost an estimated €60,112 per annum according to Royal London Ireland survey

On average, adults estimated the cost to employ someone to perform the duties of a stay-at-home parent at €34,477 – a shortfall of more than €25,000 compared to Royal London Ireland’s calculated notional salary.

Royal London Ireland commits €200k to Breakthrough Cancer Research in third year of partnership

Funding targets cancer inequality and research into cancers with the poorest survival rates - Focus on research and awareness of cancers with the greatest unmet need - Total donation exceeds €440k over three years

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How can I guarantee financial security while I take time off work?’

Barry McCutcheon, Protection Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland gives an overview of the protection options available to long-term renters if one has to stop working unexpectedly due to illness.

Royal London and The British & Irish Lions Continue to Invest in Women’s and Girl’s Grassroots Rugby with Latest £40k Award

Royal London, founding partner of the British & Irish Lions Women’s Rugby Team, has announced that Buccaneers RFC from Athlone is one of the winning clubs for its annual 'Championing Women and Girls’ Grassroots Rugby Award'. The initiative recognises four clubs per year, one chosen from each Union (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales), who will receive a trophy plus a £10,000 (€11,800) grant to invest in their women and girls' programmes.

Brokers Ireland Provider Awards 2025

Overall Financial Services Excellence Award Winner 2025

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Thank you for your support in 2025, wishing you a prosperous New Year from all of us at Royal London Ireland.

Record Rents and Older Renters Leave Many Financially Exposed

“Homeownership used to occur much earlier in life, but rising house prices and a chronic housing shortage mean many now rent well into their 30s and beyond. This shift has significant financial implications. Unlike homeowners, renters lack built-in protections and face greater insecurity if their landlord decides to sell, increasing their vulnerability.”

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Where do I stand on fast-approaching Auto-Enrolment?

Mark Reilly, Pension Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland gives an overview of the Auto-Enrolment scheme and what it means for an employee whose employer is considering offering a basic pension before AE is available, what action they need to take if they would prefer to opt for AE and whether they can save more into their AE pension than the fixed contributions outlined so far.

Cash Still King in a Crisis, Say Almost Nine in Ten Consumers

Nearly nine in ten adults in Ireland (87pc) believe it’s important to maintain physical access to cash. "That’s why having the right plans in place, often with the support of a Financial Broker, can help people feel more secure when the unexpected happens”.

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“Savers deserve a fair deal”: Reaction to Budget 2026

Noel Freeley, CEO, Royal London Ireland comments post-Budget announcement.

A national State will register would reduce delays around probate process and help prevent wills from being contested

“A register would help ease some of the huge financial and emotional upheaval faced by people when a loved one passes away”

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I already have a PRSA so where do I stand on Auto-Enrolment?

Mark Reilly, Pension Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland gives an overview of the Auto-Enrolment scheme and what it means for someone who already has a PRSA.

Do I need to make a pension contribution before 19 November 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.

83pc of adults in Ireland support inheritance tax relief for the family home

Royal London Ireland survey shows overwhelming public appetite for change in inheritance tax rules

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I am a plumber considering income-protection insurance. Is it true my job could mean I pay more for this cover than others?

Karen O’Flaherty, senior proposition executive at Royal London Ireland answers a media question on Income Protection and how occupation types affect the cost.

“AE is not a golden ticket”: Workers urged to weigh up pension options before January launch

The cautionary advice, from Royal London Ireland, a leading provider of life insurance and pensions in Ireland, comes as the Government gears up to launch the AE scheme on January 1, 2026.

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More Than 1 in 2 Adults Say Children Should Start Receiving Pocket Money by Age 9

Giving children pocket money can play an important role in teaching them about financial responsibility from an early age. According to a recent survey by Royal London Ireland over 50% of adults believe that children should start receiving pocket money by the age of nine.

Royal London Ireland welcomes Brendan Cummins to the team

Royal London Ireland announces the appointment of former hurling star Brendan Cummins as Senior Broker Consultant.

Will income protection payments stop if returning to part-time work?

Your Income Protection payments may not stop if you return to work on a part-time basis, depending on the terms of your policy. Karen O'Flaherty, Senior Proposition Executive explains more in this media Q&A.

Should I merge old and new pensions into the one?

It can be easier to manage and keep track of pension benefits if they’re all in the one pension and in one place. Mark Reilly, Pension Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland gives an overview of some of the pros and cons to transferring a pension.

End-of-Life Planning still a taboo topic for most Irish adults

Two-thirds (66%) of adults living in Ireland have not written a will and eight in ten (80%) have not shared funeral arrangements or made such arrangements in advance. And more than one in three (35%) have not taken any measures to prepare for their end of life.

Pension options for a 40 year old entrepreneur

Mark Reilly, Pension Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland gives an overview of why Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) are amongst the most straightforward and easy-to-understand pension options.

How will my time out from the workforce affect my pension?

Many people take time out the workforce to care for family or relatives. Mark Reilly Pension Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland considers how career breaks can impact a persons pension and looks at how someone can manage their pension contributions and plan for retirement despite a career break.

Applications now open for €11,800 Grassroots Rugby award

Royal London, founding partner of the British & Irish Lions Women’s Rugby Team, has announced that applications are open for its annual 'Championing Women and Girls’ Grassroots Rugby Award'. The initiative recognises four clubs per year, one chosen from each Union (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales), who will receive a trophy plus a £10,000 grant to invest in their women and girls' programmes. Applications are open until 1 August 2025.

Pension considerations for cohabiting couples

Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland, discusses some pension points to consider for cohabiting couples.

Pension choice and education survey

According to a recent survey on pension choice and education, 8 in 10 (79%) pension holders prefer to ‘play it safe’ with their retirement savings, favouring conservative pension investment options even if they risk losing out on better returns with this approach. Commenting on the survey findings, Mark Reilly, Pension Proposition Lead with Royal London Ireland said “being too cautious with your pension savings can hurt your retirement just as much as taking too much risk would.”

Pension considerations when returning to work at 63

Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland, discusses some points to consider for someone who had retired but for financial reasons had decided to return to work.

Retirement Age Financial Feasibility Survey

Retiring before the traditional age of retirement (65) is a pipedream for more than 80pc of workers in Ireland. According to a recent survey by Royal London Ireland, most people (53pc) expect to retire at either 65 or 66, while one in five (20pc) say it will be 70 before they can afford to retire. The Royal London Ireland Retirement Age Financial Feasibility Survey asked workers what age they expect to be able to retire at, based on their current financial situation.

Retirement Aspirations Survey

According to a recent Retirement Aspirations survey conducted by Royal London Ireland of 1,000 adults across Ireland, almost three-quarters of workers aspire to retire by age 60 or sooner. The survey also found that almost one in ten over-55s never want to fully retire and 15% are happy to wait until the State pension age of 66 to retire.

How do I make sure my ARF has enough money to fund my retirement years?

The pension longevity challenge is when someone wants to make sure their pension pot lasts them into retirement. Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland, suggests that careful management of an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF), as well as shrewd investment decisions around it, can help with providing someone with an income throughout their entire retirement.

How someone who is late to start a pension can make sure not to fall short by the time when they retire

How someone who is late to start a pension can make sure not to fall short by the time when they retire? Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland, discusses some practical steps on how to start a pension.

Protect yourself from fraud

The Central Bank of Ireland has warned consumers to protect themselves against scammers or fraudsters, who are finding increasingly sophisticated ways to target consumers.

Annual Salary of a Stay at Home Parent could cost an estimated €57,140 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 11% valued the cost to employ someone to perform the duties of a stay-at-home parent at over €50,000. Its research found the cost to employ someone to do the ‘duties’ performed by stay-at-home parents would be an estimated €57,140 per annum. Commenting on the survey findings, Karen O'Flaherty, Senior Propositions Executive, Royal London Ireland said, "The fact that those aged 45-54 are more likely to recognise the true value of the stay-at-home parent is significant. This age group has likely experienced firsthand the range of tasks and sacrifices involved in this role”.

10 ways to kick start your pension in the New Year

The New Year is a great time to spring clean your finances and to tackle those financial issues that you’ve put on the long finger. People can understandably put off dealing with their pension – whether that be starting one or making sure their pension in place is adequate. This however can be an expensive mistake which could ultimately see people struggle financially when retired. Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead, Royal London Ireland, discusses how can you make 2025 the year you get around to kick-starting your pension.

Celebrating 190 years in Ireland

Royal London Ireland is so proud to celebrate 190 years of our heritage in Ireland. This year to mark this historic milestone, we worked with consultant historian Dr. Grace O'Keeffe, to publish the written story of our heritage in Ireland. "Foundations and Fire Marks" traces the 190 year history of Royal London Ireland all the way back to our roots in 1834 as Caledonian Insurance Company. We're pleased to share this book with you and hope you find it an enjoyable read

Seasonal Opening Hours 2024

Thank you for your support in 2024, wishing you a prosperous New Year from all of us at Royal London Ireland.

More than 1 in 3 (35pc) people in Ireland don’t expect to own a home outright by the time they retire

More than one-third (35pc) of adults in Ireland don’t expect to own a home outright by the time they retire. One in five (21pc) expect to still be paying off their mortgage in retirement (when aged 66+) and 14pc stated that they won’t own a home or have a mortgage on one by the time they retire.1

Royal London Ireland Enters the Growing PRSA Market

One of the leading life insurance and pensions companies, says it aims to bring fresh competition and innovation to the PRSA sector. Royal London Ireland has announced its entry into the Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) market.

Royal London Ireland welcomes Paul Sutton to the team

Royal London Ireland announces the appointment of Paul Sutton as Pension Sales Lead. Paul joins Royal London Ireland from FNZ Group, where he held the position of Sales Director for FNZ (Europe) DAC. He brings extensive experience in sales leadership and business development within the financial services sector.

Ten ways to ensure your pension doesn’t fall short in retirement

It can be difficult to assess how much income you will need in retirement, how long your pension will last and indeed how adequate your pension will be. However ultimately, you should be aiming to save enough into your pension to fund the lifestyle you wish to have in retirement - and for as long as you are retired. In this article published in the Sunday Business Post, Brian O Nuallain, Investment Sales Lead, suggests ten ways to ensure your pension doesn't fall short in retirement.

More than four in five adults in Ireland support Government’s plans for Auto-enrolment

There is strong support for the Government’s planned retirement savings system, with more than four in five (82pc) Irish adults describing the scheme as positive and more than one in three (36pc) describing it as a “fantastic initiative that will be of great benefit to workers”. This is according to a new survey of 1000 adults nationwide by Royal London Ireland.

Homeowners could be overpaying by up to 28pc on mortgage protection cover

Consumers could make substantial savings by buying mortgage protection cover through a Financial Broker rather than a bank. This conclusion was arrived at through a ‘mystery shop’ undertaken by Royal London Ireland, who compared the premiums quoted by a bank with those secured through a broker.

Seven in ten people willing to pay more for ‘green’ products

Almost seven in ten (68pc) people in Ireland are now willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. However, how much more they are willing to pay varies considerably - ranging from an additional 5pc to ‘whatever it takes’.

Almost half of people in Ireland say 25 – 29 is the ideal age for buying your first home

Almost half of people (46%) in Ireland believe that the best age to purchase a first home is between the ages of 25 – 29, over a decade younger than the national average of 39 years according to the most recent Central Statistics Office (CSO) data1. While one-third (36pc) deem the ideal age to be between 30 – 34, just 7pc consider the prime home-buying age to be between 35 – 39.

Should I opt out of a company pension scheme if I move to part-time work?

If moving from working full-time to part-time, it’s important to resist the temptation to stop paying into a company pension scheme, if financially possible. Instead, if a part-time worker can no longer afford to pay the same level of contributions into the scheme as they paid previously, they could consider reducing their contributions. Read more on this from Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead at Royal London Ireland.

How to stop late milestones eating into a pension

There are plenty of reasons, such as career progression and later marriages, why women and men in Ireland might decide to have children later in life. Similarly, buying a home later in life is not unusual today. However, having children and buying a home late in life can eat into your retirement income and could even mean having to work into retirement. Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead looks at some points to consider to reduce any potential impact reaching milestones later in life may have on retirement income.

67pc of Irish Public Say Buying a First Home is More Challenging Than Ever Before

A new research study commissioned by Royal London Ireland[1], one of Ireland’s leading life insurance and pensions companies, has found that two-thirds of Irish people (67pc) say that it is more difficult than ever before to buy a first home, while one in four (27pc) agree that while it’s difficult to get on the property ladder – this has always been the case.

Personal Finance: Nervous about investing? Following these rules should help

The stock markets can seem like a daunting place – particularly to those who are new to it and who don’t like to take any risk with their money. Yet, those who invest have a much better chance of making a good return on their money over time than those who leave their money in ordinary deposit accounts – as long as the right decisions and choices are made. In this article published in the Sunday Business Post, Brian O Nuallain, Investment Sales Lead, suggests ten rules of thumb that may keep you on the right track when investing your money.

Women live longer than men, so they need bigger pension pots too

Women can’t afford to ignore their pension, especially if they take time out of the workforce according to Karen O'Flaherty, Senior Proposition Executive at Royal London Ireland. Women need a larger pension pot than men – as they typically live longer, with Central Statistics Office figures showing women have an average life expectancy of at least 84 years, outlasting men by almost four years. Yet a woman’s pension income on retirement is an average 35% lower than a man’s, according to the ESRI. In this article published in the Sunday Independent, Karen looks at ways to plug the gender pension gap.

Do I need Life Insurance if I have Death In Service benefit?

Karen O'Flaherty, Senior Propositions Executive answers a personal finance question about Life Insurance which featured in a recent edition of the Irish Independent.

60-Something Spenders: 1 in 2 people say their sixties will be the costliest decade in retirement

Almost half (45%) of people in Ireland expect their sixties to be the years they will need most money in retirement, while almost four in ten (38%) expect to need most money in their seventies according to a new survey published by Royal London Ireland. Some common retirement costs were also revealed.

How to stop a mortgage eating into retirement income?

Mark Reilly, Pensions Proposition Lead looks at some points to consider to avoid a mortgage having an impact on retirement income.

1 in 4 would take €60 less in State Pension – to get it at age 60

A new survey of 1,000 adults nationwide revealed that if given the option, over one in four (26pc) would choose to take the State Pension six years earlier at age 60, even if it meant receiving €60 less per week. Conversely, just under 1 in 5 (18pc) would hang on until age 70 to take their pension – to get an additional €60 per week.

Royal London & Lions announce £3 million grant for unions ahead of 2027 women’s Lions tour

The British & Irish Lions Women’s Team Founding Partner, Royal London, has announced a £3 million (€3.5million) ‘Levelling the Playing Field’ Pathways Funding grant with the Unions of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England detailing how they will allocate funding received.

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.