Mr Barry Gilligan, chief executive of Ewart, the Belfast based property company has been given a 65 per cent increase in remuneration. His package increased from £71,385 sterling to £116,726, excluding pension contributions, in the year ended April 30th 1996, according to the group's annual report.

This is in addition to the confirmed compensation of £35,000 paid to him for agreeing to a reduction in the period of notice for the service contract from three to two years.

A breakdown of Mr Gilligan's remuneration shows a salary, of £81,400, benefits of £8,991 and an annual incentive payment of £26,335.

Mr D. Deeny increased his remuneration from £51,318 to £63,280 while Mr E.D. Robinson was awarded a rise from £52,938 to £61,702. Each received compensation of £20,000 for the reduced service contract, the report said.