Coalition bowed to public on advisers

Government policy on salary scales for special advisers was changed after public controversy over a series of pay packages that exceeded salary caps.

Under the old system, several ministers — and even Taoiseach Enda Kenny — had made representations seeking to get advisers paid six-figure salaries.

Following this year’s election, the Department of Public Expenditure introduced a new set of rules to avoid protracted and potentially embarrassing negotiations.