Semi-state bosses silent on appeal for voluntary cuts

SEMI-STATE bosses have remained silent on whether they would volunteer cuts to their massive pay packets after they were urged to “examine their conscience” on the issue.

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin admitted his hands were tied from forcing a reduction to contractually agreed salaries, but urged executives to share in “carrying the burden”.

The highest paid civil servants, the secretaries general of all government departments yesterday agreed to a voluntary pay cut from €214,000 to €200,000.