Fiscal watchdog accuses Government of weakening it with proposed pay cut

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council said the reduction in the  daily rate of pay for its top job could 'reduce the pool of potential applicants' for the vacant position

A letter was sent to Finance Minister Michael McGrath.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) in a letter to Finance Minister Michael McGrath has accused the Government of weakening the standing of the watchdog by proposing to reduce the daily rate of pay for the top job at the watchdog.  

The letter, which was signed by IFAC temporary chairperson Michael McMahon and council members Adele Bergin and Alessandro Giustiniani, marks an escalation in a dispute simmering for some weeks with the Government over reforms recommended by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.