More than half the population have made no pension provision and 28 per cent do not realise that pension contributions qualify for full tax relief, according to a new survey.

Ark Life, the life and pensions arm of AIB, said the survey of 1,200 people around the State suggested a lack of awareness about the benefits of pension planning, especially in relation to tax relief on pension contributions.

Fifty-two per cent of those questioned had no pension, according to figures released at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland.

The council used the occasion to call for an extension of anti-discrimination legislation to cover those over 65. The Employment Equality Act only covers workers up to the age of 65.

Mr Eamon Donnelly of the council said older workers not being afforded the same protections as their younger colleagues acted as a block to employment. Chairman Mr Louis Slater highlighted the conditions for receipt of the retirement pension, which prevent many from taking up new employment at 65.

He said that greater flexibility was needed in the way pensions were applied to take account of changes in lifestyle and longevity.