Report: Irish EU high-flyers refusing to give up pensions
It has been reported that three of Ireland's most high-profile EU leaders are refusing to give up their Irish pension entitlements.
The Sunday Tribune has reported that Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, Charlie McCreevy and John Bruton have refused to say if they would forego some of their entitlements because of the country's economic difficulties.
The Government's nominee to become Ireland's next European Commissioner Maire Geoghegan-Quinn received a state pension of more than €100,000 last year as well as her €180,000 a year salary as a member of the Court of Auditors.
Outgoing Commissioner Charlie McCreevy received a TD and Ministerial pension of more than €125,000 last year as well as his €238,000 salary.
And former Taoiseach John Bruton got a pension of more than €150,000 last year as well as his salary from his position as EU Ambassador to the US.
All three declined to comment on whether or not they would give up their pensions - either in part or in full.
A number of prominent politicians have already agreed to forego some or all of their Ministerial and TD pensions, including MEP's Gay Mitchell and Pronsias De Rossa.
