FG: Taoiseach’s pay rise not tenable

FINE GAEL said it was simply not tenable for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to award himself a €38,000 pay increase while the bulk of public sector workers got nothing.

Party finance spokesman Richard Bruton said this stark contrast in fortunes highlighted “the bankruptcy” of the Government’s approach to public pay.

In October, an independent review group recommended substantial pay increases for the Taoiseach, ministers and senior civil servants. The Taoiseach and his Cabinet approved the increases for the senior civil servants, and these were subsequently implemented.