When it comes to perks, being appointed to the board of Aer Lingus is by far the most attractive semi-State post.
Board members and their partners are entitled to free business-class flights on all Aer Lingus services. This privilege lasts for double the length of their board membership. So if a director serves for five years, they benefit from free flights for 10 years.
There is no limit to the number of flights taken but all bookings are subject to availability.
Before Aer Lingus introduced its survival plan, board members had also been receiving an annual fee of £10,000 (€12,700). Under the company's survival plan, fees will not be paid until at least the end of 2003.
Aer Lingus directors can avail of free parking at Dublin Airport when attending Aer Lingus board meetings but not at other times. As with all State organisations, mileage is paid at the standard civil service rates.
Free travel is also a perk for CIÉ board members but endless bus and train travel may not sound as exotic as free flights. CIÉ directors receive an annual payment of €12,700 a year, as well as free travel.
Members of the RTÉ authority are paid €12,697.
