NATIONAL Consumer Agency chief executive Ann Fitzgerald has defended her receipt last year of a €24,300 payment on top of her €186,891 salary.
Answering questions on the subject yesterday, Ms Fitzgerald said that “what you refer to as a bonus” was actually made from monies deducted from salary.
She said all head of semi-States had 20 per cent of their salary “held back” and performance- related payments were then made from this amount.
She also declared herself “happy” to pay the Government’s pension levy on public servants but said she was not among those public service chiefs who had voluntarily offered to take a 10 per cent pay cut.
NCA board members received €207,000 in fees and expenses last year. They include former taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s former partner Celia Larkin, who was paid €18,000.
