Aer Lingus chief’s pay ‘jars’ with Varadkar

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has sought “full details” of the financial package of Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller, saying it “jars” with him that anyone’s pension contributions should rise when a massive pension deficit remains at the airline.

Last month, the airline’s annual report showed Mr Mueller was paid €1.52m last year, up from just over €1.29m for 2012. His pay remained unchanged at €475,000, but his pension contributions amounted to €175,000, with “other benefits” totalling €51,000.

The payments prompted Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil’s transport spokesperson, to call on the Government to reject the remuneration package for Aer Lingus senior management, including Mr Mueller, while the pension crisis at the company remains unresolved.