Bruton declines pension increase but no word from Bertie

Former Taoiseach John Bruton has issued a statement tonight, to say that he will not claim the proposed increase of the Ministerial pension.

"I will comply with the Taoiseach’s request to voluntarily decline the proposed Ministerial pension increase, for the reasons he gave about the economic situation," said Mr Bruton.

The proposed increase has raised public concern, and criticism of the Government. Taoiseach Enda Kenny has called for former ministers to refuse the increase because Ireland is still "fragile economically."

Mr Kenny made the request after vocal criticism within his own party, and from the public.

The Government has agreed to begin returning pension cuts made to retired public servants during the financial crisis.

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin has claimed that the Government are not mandated to stop the increases, which will entitle ex-Ministers to up to an additional €1,600.

Around 90,000 public sector pensioners will benefit at a cost of about €90m over three years.

Cowen and Bertie under pressure to refuse 'disgusting' pension boosts http://t.co/RsGi5OuLLu pic.twitter.com/7rEOktvbyq

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An article in the Sunday Times reported that Brian Cowen's pension will rise from €134,000 per anum to €136,000 each year for the next three years.

Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern is also entitled to an increase under the aggreement.