Taoiseach to become one of highest earning leaders in EU
The Taoiseach's annual salary is to smash the €300,000 barrier, making him one of the highest paid leaders in Europe.
Bertie Ahern will get a 14% pay rise from €271,822 to €310,000 in three stages by mid-2009.
The increase is recommended in a report by an expert group which examined pay scales for Cabinet members, judges, gardaí and senior civil and public servants.
Salary rises detailed the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector will cost a total of €16m a year.
Tánaiste Brian Cowen sees his salary increase by 15.6% from €233,503 to €270,000 while each other minister gets a 12% lift to €240,000.
Ministers of State go up by 12% to €165,000, while the Attorney General is given a 12% increase to €244,000.
The Leas Ceann Comhairle goes from €147,284 to €165,000 while the Seanad Cathaoirleach and Leas Chaothairleach get €127,000 and €98,500 respectively.
The Chief Justice gets €310,000 while the President of the High Court nets €290,000.
