Civil servant warned against 'risky' pay hike for junior ministers

Jack Chambers who, along with Hildegarde Naughton and Pippa Hackett, waived the additional money and split the original allowance three ways. Picture: Stephen Collins /Collins Photos

One of the country’s most senior civil servants warned it was a “risky” move to try and push through a pay hike for “super junior” ministers, which was included as part of legislation meant to establish a new department.

Robert Watt, Secretary-General of the Department of Public Expenditure, said he had doubts about making the change to pay an extra €17,205 allowance to a third minister of state.