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30/09/2008
Outrage Over Bertie's Golden Handshake
A revelation that the Ex-Taoiseach is to receive €68,000 as part of a lucrative severance package has caused outrage amongst opposition party members.
The Department of Finance made the announcement on Monday, that since stepping down as Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern (pictured here shaking hands with former British PM, Tony Blair) has claimed over €68,000 in severance pay while he continues as a backbench TD for Fianna Fail.
Although Mr Ahern is currently enjoying a basic wage of €100,000 – excluding his outside dealings, such as after dinner speeches, and television appearances – the severance package is part of a compensatory payment following Mr Ahern's retirement, where he took a pay cut from his European record-breaking €185,000 for a first minister.
Under 1992 legislation, ministers who lose their jobs are entitled to severance pay, and a further two Fianna Fail ministers are availing of the new scheme, it has been revealed.
The TDs, John Browne of Wexford and Michael Ahern of Cork East, will both be receiving payments of €53,000 after they lost their junior ministerial roles in May following Bertie's retirement.
However, Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher, who also lost his job after Mr Ahern left office over allegations of financial impropriety, refused to opt into the scheme.
(DW)
The Department of Finance made the announcement on Monday, that since stepping down as Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern (pictured here shaking hands with former British PM, Tony Blair) has claimed over €68,000 in severance pay while he continues as a backbench TD for Fianna Fail.
Although Mr Ahern is currently enjoying a basic wage of €100,000 – excluding his outside dealings, such as after dinner speeches, and television appearances – the severance package is part of a compensatory payment following Mr Ahern's retirement, where he took a pay cut from his European record-breaking €185,000 for a first minister.
Under 1992 legislation, ministers who lose their jobs are entitled to severance pay, and a further two Fianna Fail ministers are availing of the new scheme, it has been revealed.
The TDs, John Browne of Wexford and Michael Ahern of Cork East, will both be receiving payments of €53,000 after they lost their junior ministerial roles in May following Bertie's retirement.
However, Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher, who also lost his job after Mr Ahern left office over allegations of financial impropriety, refused to opt into the scheme.
(DW)
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02 November 2018
Time For Govt To Act On Gender Pay Gap
Marking EU Equal Pay Day 2018, Labour has said that it is time for the Government to act on the Gender Pay Gap in Ireland. Last month, the Seanad passed all stages of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Gender Pay Gap) Information Bill 2017, a Private Members Bill initiated by the Labour group in the Seanad.
Time For Govt To Act On Gender Pay Gap
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20 July 2015
Ibec Slams Proposals By The Low Pay Commission
Ibec has slammed plans by the Low Pay Commission for a 50c increase in the national minimum wage. The group, which represents Irish business, said the case is at odds with all the economic evidence. It also said the increase would heap pressure on companies still struggling to stay in business.
Ibec Slams Proposals By The Low Pay Commission
Ibec has slammed plans by the Low Pay Commission for a 50c increase in the national minimum wage. The group, which represents Irish business, said the case is at odds with all the economic evidence. It also said the increase would heap pressure on companies still struggling to stay in business.
04 November 2008
Swathes Of Irish Deported From American Soil
Despite recent pressures from the Irish Government on America's politicians, increasing numbers of Irish citizens are being sent home from the United States. A total of 27 Irish people were reportedly deported this year alone from New York, with less than half of this figure deported the previous year.
Swathes Of Irish Deported From American Soil
Despite recent pressures from the Irish Government on America's politicians, increasing numbers of Irish citizens are being sent home from the United States. A total of 27 Irish people were reportedly deported this year alone from New York, with less than half of this figure deported the previous year.
01 May 2008
Ahern Asks Congress To Give Irish Immigrants Permanent Status
In a momentous speech in Washington, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday asked the joint meeting of the US congress to "find a solution" to the many Irish immigrants living illegally in America. He implored both houses of American power to "address the implications and to regulate the status" for Irish immigrants.
Ahern Asks Congress To Give Irish Immigrants Permanent Status
In a momentous speech in Washington, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday asked the joint meeting of the US congress to "find a solution" to the many Irish immigrants living illegally in America. He implored both houses of American power to "address the implications and to regulate the status" for Irish immigrants.
09 April 2008
Reynolds Gives Cowen His Blessing
Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, has given his full support to Brian Cowen, who is set to become new leader of Fianna Fail today. Albert Reynolds took Brian Cowen from the backbenches in 1992, giving him the role of Minister for Energy. Mr Reynolds said he wasn’t surprised that the out going Tánaiste has reached the top job.
Reynolds Gives Cowen His Blessing
Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, has given his full support to Brian Cowen, who is set to become new leader of Fianna Fail today. Albert Reynolds took Brian Cowen from the backbenches in 1992, giving him the role of Minister for Energy. Mr Reynolds said he wasn’t surprised that the out going Tánaiste has reached the top job.
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Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
