Noonan has notasked banks to cut big earners’ pay

Cuts to the salaries of the highest earners in bailed-out banks have not been requested by the finance minister, a spokesperson confirmed.

More than 1,600 employees across four banks receiving state assistance earn salaries in excess of €100,000.

But Michael Noonan has not made any representations to the bank boards to reduce these wages because it would be “outside his remit”.