Dear Editor,
Referring to a recent article in The Irish Times, I was flabbergasted to learn of the establishment of a new entity aimed at re-evaluating the salaries of high-earning officials within State organisations, specifically with the intention of augmenting them (“News, March 6th; Anticipated increase in CEO remuneration at commercially run state bodies, including RTÉ, following governmental review”).
An inspection of the past few years unveils an excessive number of over-compensated civil servants acquiring supplementary payments, concealed compensations, and excruciatingly large sums from severance and departure arrangements. This has occurred whilst most public workers and indeed those working in the private sector manage to survive on salaries ranging from €35,000 to €55,000. This has coincided with a highly-publicised and significant rise in living costs in recent years.
Indeed, what this situation calls for is the creation of a dedicated body to scrutinise lower income bands across all societal sectors, with the intention of raising them. The government should also take a moment to deeply ponder suggestions such as increasing the compensation packages of already well-rewarded State officials. The Government’s plans display a profound detachment from the reality of society at large.
Yours faithfully,
Rob Mac Giollarnáth,
Abhainn an Scáil,
Co Chiarraí.
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