Pension boost for Kenny and his ministers

THE Taoiseach and his ministers are receiving a pensions increase – despite gifting back their recent pay rise that they received under the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

Mr Kenny’s annual pension will grow by €2,658 to €105,142 thanks to the recent restoration of pay for civil servants under the agreement. Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald will see an increase of €1,746, while Finance Minister Michael Noonan’s €2,075 hike will bring his pension to €87,873.

The deputies join thousands of civil servants who, under the agreement, are entitled to claw back pay cuts inflicted during the recession.

Although Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe asked ministers to voluntarily gift the pay rise back to the State following huge controversy last October, most parties opted to let their TDs to decide for themselves.

During the recession, TDs’ wages dropped by €5,414 to €87,258.

This week’s restoration is worth €2,707, with a similar increase due next year.