The Government is set to face major backlash as top public servants earning more than €150,000 are set to get pay rises from next week.
Those who are set to see a bump in their salaries include medical consultants, judges, CEOs of State bodies, and senior civil servants.
Their pay is set to rise between 10-15% and will affect 4,000 public servants earning in excess of €150,000.
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Tanáiste Leo Varadkar admitted on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that the Government looked at postponing the move but legal advice instructed it should go ahead.
The 4,000 people eligible had their pay cut through the Financial Emergency (FEMPI) legislation which was introduced following the financial crash of 2008.
Salary rates up to €150,000, which account for 99% of the public service, have been fully restored.
Under the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act, salaries for those earning above €150,000 are due to be restored by 1 July.
However, the move had been described as “tone deaf” given the Government has signalled it will not assist further with financial measures until the Budget.
There have been repeated calls for Cabinet to move again on the cost of living crisis as energy, fuel and food prices soar, crippling Irish households.
It is understood the legal advice indicated the Government had no basis not to proceed with the restoration and, as a result, it will have to take place on 1 July in accordance with the law.
It is understood the pay restoration will cost €30 million for the remainder of this year.
Public servants who benefit from FEMPI restoration are not eligible for further pay increases in the year of restoration.
Legislation passed by the Oireachtas in 2017, supported by Government and opposition parties including Sinn Féin and Labour, provided for completion of restoration for those earning over €150,000 to take place no later than 1 July 2022.
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy has said that pay rises for highly paid civil servants, whilst the government rejects calls from PBP to intervene in the cost of living crisis is a “slap in the face to ordinary workers who are seriously struggling.”
Meanwhile, Mr Varadkar has said the Government intends to re-engage with public service unions to make a further offer on stalled pay talks.
Negotiations at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ended last Friday without agreement as unions said the Government's offer of wage increases fell short of meeting inflation.
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