Madam, – I refer to the recent coverage in The Irish Timesand other publications on the pension provisions for public servants.
Almost all of the reportage on these matters make reference to the "pension pots". Coming up in the year I did, I was under the clear impression that a pot was something you cooked something in, or a container. The Oxford English Dictionaryagrees with my impression and makes no reference to pensions. Unfortunately I fear that the use of the term "pension pot" has been popularised by the general media in the stead of the term pension fund. One would think the term comes from our heritage and the elusive pot of gold.
I have put aside a very modest sum from my after-tax income into a pension fund. When I have cause to review it or consult on it, neither I nor my adviser refer to it as a pot, as clearly it only represents my provision or funding for my after-work years.
I believe that the now ubiquitous term “pension pot” is used by commentators and the general public in an envious tone and ignores the service and pension provision that genuine public servants have earned over a career of public service. Let us rise above our prejudices and call a spade a spade and consider the terms of pension provision and funding instead of the pot of gold. – Yours, etc,