Govt 'cannot take back' secretary general's €700k pension

The Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has said he understands the anger of people at the severance package paid to the former Secretary to the Government, Dermot McCarthy.

However, Mr Gilmore said the package cannot be taken back, but individuals can voluntarily surrender any portion of their package.

Mr McCarthy, who retired in July, ended his career with a €700,000 pension package.

Speaking at the end of his party's think-in this afternoon in Carlow, Mr Gilmore insisted a stop would be put to these deals, though not this one as "contractural obligations exist".