Finance Minister had announced several changes to the remuneration of TDs and Senators following the decision to cut the number of junior ministers from 20 to 15.
No longer will deputies receive long service payments or increments , while there will be a 10% reduction in all expenses other than mileage rates where a 25% reduction has already taken place.
The arrangement where former ministers who were paid ministerial pensions while they are still members of the Oireachtas will not continue. The allowances paid to Oireachtas committee chairman will be halved and the payments to whips and vice-chairs will also go.
The Minister said in framing the Budget he has been guided by the principle that everyone should contribute according to their means. Tax increases are required and they will not be easy to accept, but he described the measures announced today as 'progressive'. 'Those who can best afford it will pay most' he stated.
He also said that the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector to undertake a new review of top level pay rates to take account of the changed budgetary and economic circumstances and the changed private sector pay environment. This review will be finished by July.
The Minister said that as a result of the changes in today's Budget, a person earning the minimum wage of about €17,500 a year will be asked to pay €350 a year or €7 a week.
A person earning €50,000 a year will pay €1,500 or €29 a week, while someone on €300,000 a year will pay €15,655 or €300 a week.
