Taoiseach and McDonald clash over top salaries, including €75k hike for Irish Rail chiefBy Rebecca Black, Press AssociationThe Taoiseach and Opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald have clashed over salary increases for the heads of semi-state bodies at the first Leaders’ Questions of 2026. Ms McDonald said the head of CIE received an increase of €35,000, while there was a €50,000 hike for the chief of Bus Éireann, and a €75,000 hike for the chief of Iarnród Éireann. She said it has also been reported that a pay increase has been sought for the RTÉ Director General, to bring their salary close to €300,000. Ms McDonald said “1.4 million workers in this state earn less than €45,000”, describing their “disbelief” to see those pay hikes. “No big pay hike for them, no.

Source: Irish Independent January 13, 2026 15:54 UTC