Trade unionist David Begg named head of the Pensions Authority

Leading trade unionist and prominent Labour supporter David Begg is set to earn €100,000 over the next five years after being named the new chair of the Pensions Authority.

Mr Begg, who retired as general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions last March, was confirmed as the new head of the financial group yesterday after the move was agreed by Cabinet.

The decision to appoint the trade unionist and one-time board member of the Central Bank was made after his name was put forward by Labour, despite the fact it did not go through the public service advertising and appointments process.