Q1.
It should not be possible to "rob" your pension. However lots of pension funds are currently underfunded and may not be able to pay out the full benefits in the future (e.g. Waterford Crystal, SR Technics).
Q2.
Unfortunately it can take years to sort out certain pension transfers. It should not but..... It is dependant on
- the nature of the pension you have (defined benefit or defined contribution)
- when you left service (i.e. pre 1991, pre 2002)
- your pension trustees
- terms and conditions of your pension.
- years of service (2 years is the critical point)
- sundry other issues.
Your first step is to request a copy of your "Leaving Service Options Letter" from your original Pensions Trustee.
Assuming there is a different company handling the transfer then you need to WRITE to them stating your basic details (when you worked for the factory, number off times you rang them etc) and ask them for a written update on progress.
Finally look at the following site
http://www.pensionsboard.ie/index.asp?locID=108&docID=-1#4 for a guide to Pensions and what happens when you change jobs. It is not exactly a simple to use guide but these are the people you will be complaining to if this process drags on much longer or if the pension trustees are not forthcoming with information.