Woods to get €75,000 pension windfall

SERVING TD and former Fianna Fáil minister Michael Woods will benefit to the tune of €75,000 due to a change in legislation being introduced by party colleague, Tánaiste and Finance Minister Brian Cowen.

Mr Woods’ lengthy ministerial career ended in 2002 but the FF TD failed to apply in time for the ministerial pension to which he was entitled.

It is understood that when he did finally apply officials in the Department of Finance brought his case to the attention of Mr Cowen.