REACTION:A NUMBER of the highest-paid executives in the semi-State sector would face large pay cuts if Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan succeeds in his aim to cap salaries at €250,000.
The chief executive of the ESB, Pádraig McManus, earned a total package of €752,000 last year, of which salary was €412,000.
A spokesman for Mr McManus said he had no comment to make in the wake of Mr Lenihan’s Budget speech.
The chief executive of the Dublin Airport Authority, Declan Collier, got a total package of €568,000 last year, of which €320,000 was salary.
“The company notes the position of the shareholder, as outlined in today’s budget speech,” a spokesman said when contacted.
A spokesman for Mr Lenihan said it was his understanding that the Minister’s remarks applied to the National Treasury Management Agency and the National Asset Management Agency, both of which employ staff on individual contracts that are not linked to public service rates.
The chief executives of the two organisations, John Corrigan and Brendan McDonagh, are believed to earn in the region of €500,000 per annum. A spokesman for both organisations said he had no comment as they were awaiting clarification on the Minister’s comments.
A spokeswoman for Donal Connell, chief executive of An Post, said he had no comment to make. Mr Connell earned a total package of €500,000 last year, of which €386,000 was salary.
The new director general of RTÉ, Noel Curran, is due to take up the position in February. His salary was expected to be €261,000.
A spokesman for the station said it would establish what was entailed in the new measure and “will comply as appropriate”. Asked about presenters who are paid above €250,000, he said presenters who are on salaries will be paid in accordance with the Minister’s stipulations.
It is understood that the bulk of RTÉ’s highest-paid presenters are on individual contracts.
The chief executive of Coillte, David Gunning, earned a total package last year of €489,000, of which €297,000 was salary. A spokesman said he had no comment.
The chief executive of Bord Gáis, John Mullins, was paid a total package of €394,000 last year, of which €270,000 was salary.