Finance Minister Brian Lenihan confirmed in his Budget speech this afternoon that the Government will take a reduction in wages, and invited senior civil servants to do the same.
“I wish to advise the house that members of the Government and ministers of state will surrender 10% of their current total pay,” the minister said.
“Officers at Secretary General level in Government departments have volunteered to make a corresponding surrender in respect of their pay.
“Other public servants in leadership and senior positions may wish to consider whether it is appropriate for them to make a similar move in current circumstances.”