The Cabinet did not discuss the substantial pay increases for Ministers yesterday despite the fact that two members of the Government indicated in recent days that they were willing to revisit the issue.
Green Party Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan and Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea said over the weekend they would be willing to make their views known if there was a discussion at Cabinet.
However, on Monday the Taoiseach made it clear that he was not in favour of revisiting the issue, and that he wanted the Government to stick by its original decision to accept the latest round of increases recommended by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Service.
After yesterday's Cabinet meeting a Government spokesman said the issue had not come up, and he confirmed that no Minister had sought to raise it.
A spokesman for the Greens said the party had not sought the pay increases. They had been presented to Cabinet as part of a package for 1,600 people across the public service, and the bulk of the report had been accepted.
The pay increase for the Taoiseach of €38,000 brings his salary to €310,000, making him the highest-paid leader in the developed world. It also means that the pension he will get when he steps down from the job will be at least €170,000 a year, with further increases to come every time the Taoiseach's salary rises.
On Monday Mr Ahern insisted that the increases should go ahead, and made the point that the last review had taken place seven years ago.
However, the review body did make an interim award of 7.5 per cent two years ago, and has now recommended another 14 per cent for the Taoiseach, 15.6 per cent for the Tánaiste and 12 per cent for other Ministers.
"I think for the future it should be on a three-year period. But, you know, governments can defer these things for a period and then, as they've previously done, go back and pay it all again.
"I mean, that's really only playing smokes and daggers with it. I mean, the fact is, this will ultimately be paid and it's better for the Government to be up front on it," Mr Ahern said.
The pay increases will be phased in from September 14th last until March 2009, and will add about €16 million a year to the public sector pay bill.
The award has been condemned by the Opposition parties, who have called for it to be postponed.
Fine Gael finance spokesman Richard Bruton said: "Now is the time for political leadership. The validity of these pay awards must be subjected to scrutiny."
