Kenny hits back at ‘runaway pensions’ claim

Taoiseach Enda Kenny claimed the Government has increased taxes on high earners as TDs blasted his unwillingness to tackle the “runaway, gilt-edged pensions” of former senior politicians.

A Cabinet minister also admitted yesterday that she and colleagues were “outraged” at generous pensions still being handed out to former office-holders.

The comments came after it emerged that former taoiseach Bertie Ahern has been drawing down his full €150,000 pension since he left the Dáil, despite saying he would gift part of it to the State.