Issue

The Committee considered a potential issue related to an apparent conflict within IAS 26.  The organisation referring the issue to the IFRIC noted that it was apparent that IAS 26 was intended to address all types of retirement benefit plans and the scope of the Standard is sufficiently generic for it to be applied to plans other than those sponsored by employers.  Indeed, IAS 26 paragraph 9 states:

Some retirement benefit plans have sponsors other than employers; this Standard also applies to the reports of such plans.

However, IAS 26 paragraph 8 defines “Retirement benefit plans” as: “arrangements whereby an enterprise provides benefits for its employees on or after termination of service…” [emphasis added].

Decision not to add

March 2004

Reason

The IFRIC agreed that the wording of IAS 26 could be improved, but noted that the intention of the Standard (as expressed in paragraph 9) was clear.  On balance, the IFRIC did not think that this was a priority issue, and suggested that the issue be addressed via editorial corrections to IAS 26 at an appropriate time.

IFRIC reference: IAS 26