Department accounts reveal ministerial pension costs

Former presidents Mrs Mary Robinson and Dr Patrick J. Hillery each received a State pension of £77,329 in 2001, according to audited accounts released today by the Department of Finance.

The former Taoiseach, Mr Charles Haughey was in receipt of £55,304 for his State pension. Fellow former Taoisigh Mr Albert Reynolds had a pension of £54,557 while Mr John Bruton was in receipt of £38,132.

Fomer Tanaiste Mr Dick Spring had a pension of £25,701 last year, according to the accounts. Former Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Ray Burke's pension was £28,574 in 2001.

The accounts list all the pensions and allowances due to former ministers and other officer holders including members the judiciary.

The audited accounts also showed that more than £10 million was paid in wage costs to judges including £999,433 to the Chief Justice and the seven members of the Supreme Court.

More than £3.6 million was paid in allowances and expenses to the party political leader's accounts. Fine Gael received £1,353,699 under this fund, Fianna Fáil £1,230,337; Labour £753,269 and the Progressive Democrats £143,380. The remainder was distributed among the smaller parties in the Dáil.

The Department of Finance is required to prepare detailed annual accounts each year for audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General, Mr John Purcell.