O Cuiv: Cabinet in full agreement on 10% pay cut

Government minister Eamon O Cuiv said tonight he was “putting his money where his mouth is” by accepting the Budget’s 10% pay cut alongside his 14 Cabinet colleagues.

The surprise measure, which also applies to 20 junior ministers, was included in Finance Minister Brian Lenihan’s maiden Budget to the Dáil.

“The Cabinet was in total agreement on this one,” Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Mr O Cuiv said.

“It was literally a case of me putting my money where my mouth is and it was the same for my colleagues.”

He added: “It was a case of leading from the front on this issue because there were going to be cuts right across the board.”

The 10% salary cut will also apply to the most senior civil servant in each Government department.

Mr Lenihan called on other public servants in leadership and senior positions to follow the Government’s example.

He added: “This Budget provides an opportunity for us all to pull together and play our part according to our means so that we can secure the gains which have been the achievement of the men and women of this country.”

Last month, Government ministers decided to forego controversial pay increases recommended by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration.