Snouts in the trough - No equity in excessive pay

HARDLY a day passes now without some insane pay arrangements, augmented by incredible expenses and pension packages, being exposed to an incredulous and increasingly angry public.

Yesterday was no exception and Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) John Buckley published details of the arrangements enjoyed by the former director of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, internationally renowned pianist John O’Conor.

Mr O’Conor, whose contribution to cultural life cannot be disputed, was paid a total of €225,000 in 2008. He was paid expenses of €23,000 even though receipts were not provided. Mr O’Conor continued to teach at the academy and was paid over €65,000 a year for filling a part-time role. A payment of €88,200 was made into his private pension fund in 2008.

These are the kind of figures that challenge any idea of social cohesion, unity of purpose or equity. That they were terribly excessive is confirmed by the fact that Mr O’Conor’s successor works for a greatly reduced package.