VHI boss refuses to confirm salary cut amid fury

VHI chief executive Jimmy Tolan has pointedly refused to say if he took a pay cut last year amid growing anger and concern by the insurer’s 1.35 million customers at its decision to introduce dramatic price hikes of up to 45% in the cost of health insurance from next month.

The VHI announced it will increase its charges by 15%-45% from February 1, forcing some customers to pay an extra €37 per month on their existing premiums.

But Mr Tolan repeatedly refused to answer questions about his salary in 2010, despite the fact that the figure will be published in the VHI’s annual report later this year. He enjoyed a total package worth €412,003 in 2009. However, he admitted that the VHI had cut administration costs, which included salary reductions, by €15 million last year.