DAA board 'may not be reappointed'

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar has said he may not reappoint the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) board in a dispute over …

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar has said he may not reappoint the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) board in a dispute over bonus payments, according to reports.

The row between the Minister and the authority broke out over a decision by the board of the State company to award a performance-related bonus of €106,100 to its chief executive Declan Collier for 2010.

Payment of the bonus has been deferred with the agreement of Mr Collier until he completes his seven years as chief executive in April 2012.

The DAA's latest annual report, published on Friday, shows Mr Collier's total remuneration rose by 7.8 per cent last year to €612,500. This included a salary of €308,500 and pension contributions and other benefits totalling €182,100.

In 2009, Mr Collier was paid €568,100, which included a salary of €320,400 and bonus payments of €50,900.

The Minister said yesterday he was "very dissatisfied" the DAA's board had made a provision for a "substantial" performance-related payment for Mr Collier.

A DAA spokesman said its board was "aware" of the Minister's position. It is understood the board felt it was legally obliged to provide for Mr Collier's payment as it was a potential liability for the company. The award was based on the terms of Mr Collier's contract.