FF signed off on huge semi-state pay hikes

MASSIVE pay increases awarded to bosses of semi-state companies were signed off on by the Fianna Fáil-led government as pay cuts were imposed on ordinary workers across the public and private sector.

Chief executives in companies such as the ESB, Bord Gáis, Coillte and An Post saw their remuneration soar by up to 26% despite claims by the government it was tackling huge pay packages in the sector.

A report on state assets published by economist Colm McCarthy this week says that bosses were “more than compensated” for publicly announced cuts in their basic pay with awards of other financial perks.