Cowen defends 7.5% pay increase for Ministers
Minister for Finance Brian Cowen has defended yesterday's decision by Government Ministers to award themselves a 7.5% pay rise.
The Cabinet approved the pay award for Ministers and other senior civil servants, which was recommended by an independent review group.
The move will see ministers getting an extra €10,000 a year, but Mr Cowen said today that he believed the electorate would understand that it was warranted.
"We're elected by the people. These wage rates are set by an independent pay awards body.
"Obviously, I'll continue to work as hard as I can to maintain the confidence of the people," he said.
