Cutting the ministerial pensions and payments to Oireachtas committees in the Budget sends out a clear signal that the Government is “committed to getting” Ireland’s finances “back on track”.
This is the view of Independent Galway West TD Noel Grealish, who said he was “very pleased” that the Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan jr introduced “cost saving amendments” in relation to Oireachtas payments.
Dep Grealish said it was “correct” to cut the payment of ministerial pensions to sitting TDs, increments for long-serving TDs, and payments to chairmen, vice chairmen, and conveners of Oireachtas committees.
“In the run up to the budget, I contacted the minister about these matters,” said Dep Grealish. “I conveyed to him the public disquiet at these payments and urged him to use the Budget as an opportunity to terminate these payments. I also called for a reduction in the number of Ministers of State.”
