President’s adviser to get salary below government cap

The new chief adviser to President Michael D Higgins is to have a salary just below the Government wage cap following the abrupt departure of his better paid predecessor.

Liam Herrick is to receive €79,401 a year, well down on the €103,000 given to Mary Van Lieshout who walked out of her job half way through a three-year contract.

Mr Herrick moves to the role from the position as head of the Penal Reform Trust which he has occupied since 2007.