This review compares the set-up and performance of retirement income arrangements in Ireland to those in OECD countries with comparable systems, and draws on international experiences and examples in making recommendations for reform. It proposes changes in the key parameters of the Irish state, occupational and private pension schemes and it outlines options for more profound structural reforms of the retirement income system. In considering these alternatives, it should be kept in mind that each of the schemes and reforms discussed was adopted in a specific national economic, social and political setting. There is no blueprint for reform that Ireland can implement directly off-the-shelf. Any solution has to fit the Irish situation. In addition, any structural reform would have to be carefully costed for both the short and longer term.