Bruton: No tensions over Conlon salary

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton has rejected suggestions that there were tensions between the government partners over the six-figure salary awarded to his special advisor.

Weekend newspaper reports suggested that public sector reform Minister Brendan Howlin fought for several months not to pay former Fine Gael press officer Ciaran Conlon a salary of €127,000.

Mr Conlon was eventually awarded the salary - which exceeds the Government's pay cap - after the Taoiseach Enda Kenny intervened.

Minister Bruton rejected suggestions that there were tensions in the Government over the issue.

"In the case of people who are of exceptional talent…it was always envisaged the guideline could be breached," he said.

"The advisor that I have is very important in a key role, the driving of employment policy in our country. (His appointment) has Government support."