How much can you earn as a minister in DAFM?

It is all change in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) as a new set of ministers move in when the 34th Dáil gets down to business tomorrow (Wednesday, January 22).

But who will earn what in DAFM once the top jobs are handed out?

The minister for agriculture is a senior minister. This means, that on top of their regular TD salary of €113,679, they are entitled to a further €92,938. This brings their total salary up to an estimated €206,617.

They are also entitled to receive up to €34,065 in travel expenses every year, and €16,000 annually as their public representation allowance (PRA).

The incoming DAFM senior minister will also be entitled to a ministerial pension, the sum of which will depend on how long they hold ministerial office.

It is expected that the new government will create three additional minister of state roles, bringing the number to a record high of 23 in the 34th Dáil.

Under the current legislation, three 'super junior ministers' are allowed to attend cabinet meetings, but are not given voting rights. However, the new government looks set to bring in four super junior ministers.

The current salary for TDs is €113,679. Senior ministers are entitled to a further €92,938 per year, while junior ministers receive an extra €45,846.

All members of Dáil Éireann are entitled to up to €34,065 in travel and accommodation Allowance (TAA) Cabinet ministers, including the super junior ministers, can also avail of a further €16,000 per year through the PRA.

Before expenses, the annual salary for the Taoiseach is expected to be €243,895, with the Tánaiste receiving a salary in the region of €224,973. Senior ministers in the cabinet may each earn €206,617 per year.

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With a maximum of 15 people allowed in cabinet, their total salary comes to an estimated €3,154,889 before TAA and PRA expenses.

Each junior minister will receive €159,525 per year, and with the government set to appoint 23 ministers this term, the total cost is an estimated €3,669,075.

It is estimated that the total cost of ministerial salaries will come to an estimated €6,823,964 plus expenses.

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