Spending public money the Irish way- fat pensions to fat cat politicians

Ex-Taoisigh received almost €100,000 in 2012 pensions - Political News | Irish & International Politics | The Irish Times - Fri, Sep 27, 2013: "Former taoisigh Brian Cowen, Bertie Ahern and Albert Reynolds all received almost €100,000 each in ministerial pensions in 2012, according to the latest figures.
The three former Fianna Fáil leaders, two of whom received €99,907, received the highest ministerial pensions among 120 TDs on the published list, which also includes the two retired presidents, judges and others.
The total bill for pensions for the former office holders was €15m last year, of which almost €5m was paid to politicians.
The pensions for Mr Cowen, Mr Ahern and Mr Reynolds have been reduced as a result of Budget changes as well as the two pay and productivity agreements with public sector unions. However, each is also entitled to a Dail deputy’s pension of more than €40,000 per annum, bringing their combined TD and ministerial pensions to more than €140,000.
The two highest pensions paid to former office holders were to former presidents Mary McAleese and Mary Robinsion. Ms McAleese was paid €141,082 in 2012 with Ms Robinson paid €134,883."

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