Quinn plans new university pay law

Universities have reacted angrily to Government plans that will make sure they never again give un-authorised bonuses to staff.

Although already limited to pay ceilings for senior staff, the country’s seven universities paid over €8m in unauthorised allowances and unapproved pension contributions to more than 200 staff between 2005 and 2011.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) recently finalised arrangements for the money to be recouped or diverted to student services.