Former Taoiseach John Bruton has issued a statement last night saying that he has no intention of claiming the proposed increase of the Ministerial pension which he will be entitled too.
Mr Burton has also encouraged his fellow ministers not to take the proposed increase saying that it is not fair on the taxpayer in the current economic situation, Mr Bruton said: “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.” The news will be welcomed by those who agree that the proposed increase should not be taken, one of whom is the current Taoiseach Enda Kenny who has repeatedly called on former ministers not to take the increase as he believes that Ireland is still “fragile economically.”Mr Kenny’s stance on the situation has come after strong criticism from his own party, and amongst the general public.
The news comes after the Government recently decided to return pension cuts made to many retired public servants during the recession. It is believed that if everyone was to accept the increase the cost to the Irish taxpayer would be in the regions of €90m.