Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has rejected demands from junior ministers to drastically increase their expenses payments after a public backlash. Under existing rules, a junior minister receives a €94,535 TD salary and a ministerial payment of up to €35,319, pushing their payment levels up to €129,854. However, their expenses levels are lower than backbench TDs. However, Mr Donohoe said while he has "listened carefully" to the junior minister calls, he will not be increasing expenses levels. Noting the "pressures" facing Ireland's finances due to Brexit and other matters, Mr Donohoe said he has "no immediate plans" to hike junior minister expenses in the near future.

Source: Evening echo December 06, 2018 17:15 UTC