The event, co-hosted by the law firms and consulting firm Mercer, examined how factors including ongoing market volatility, historically low interest rates and increased longevity have increased the risks connected with defined benefit scheme funding.

This, in turn, has led to significantly increased interest in liability management exercises, including bulk annuity transactions, in the Irish market.

Speakers at the event on Friday discussed the advantages and disadvantages of bulk annuity transactions and shared their experiences in relation to recent transactions that have been entered into across the UK and Ireland.

Jane McKeever, senior associate in Matheson’s employment, pensions and benefits group, said: “We hope that bringing together a group of experts to discuss this topic will allow employers, trustees and insurers to build on their understanding of what is involved in these transactions and how best to prepare for them.”