Geoghegan-Quinn Caves To Pressure Over Pensions

European Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn has this morning caved into Government pressure over her receipt of a hefty state pension.

Ms Geoghegan-Quinn was receiving a State pensions worth over €100,000 per year while she claimed a salary worth a quarter of a million euros.

The European Commissioner, who holds the innovation portfolio in Brussels, gifted both pensions to the State as of today. Her announcement came following growing unease expressed by a number of senior Fianna Fáil Ministers about her situation.

In a statement released shortly after the announcement was made, Taoiseach Brian Cowen maintained he had repeatedly said it was up to people no longer in the Oireachtas to reflect on their own situation regarding ministerial pensions.

Green Party leader John Gormley said last night the commissioners decision was the correct and most practical solution. He also said there were a number of prominent Opposition TDs who had retained large ministerial pensions, and he called on them to return the pensions also.

However, this morning Labour TD Emmet Stagg has said he will also give up his Dáil pension. Speaking this morning on RTÉ radio, Mr Stagg said: “My pension is €56 a week and I will write to the Minister tomorrow and ask him not to pay it to me anymore. The amount I get it so small it certainly won't affect the national finances."

He said he understood the anger at former ministers receiving pensions while still working.

Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan announced last night that the Commissioner had contacted him over the issue.

Last night, Green Party chairman Dan Boyle suggested legislation was needed to deal with the situation. Mr Boyle said: "I welcome the EU Commissioner's decision on her pensions. Others need to follow suit and pension should only be paid on retirement."

Earlier, Minister Gormley said the Commissioner and the 16 other individuals who are working while claiming State pensions should 'do the right thing'.

(DW/GK)