Yates lets rip over public sector pay bill

STRINGENT cuts across the public sector are needed if Ireland is to ride out the recession, according to businessman and former government minister Ivan Yates.

Speaking on RTÉ radio yesterday, Mr Yates outlined a shopping list of instant cuts that could save much-needed capital for the Government. The managing director of Celtic bookmakers said huge cuts were needed in health, education, payroll and the public capital programme to eliminate the massive “waste” within the public sector.

Mr Yates specifically targeted public sector pay, which currently stands at €19 billion.