Minister Richard Bruton has told the Dáil that ministers will not be taking proposed €12,000 pay rises over the next three years, writes Elaine Loughlin of the Irish Examiner.

However, Mr Bruton would not say if TDs would also refuse to take wage increases which are due to be awarded as part of the unwinding of FEMPI measures.

Cabinet Ministers would receive €4,000 a year for the next three years and TDs €5,000 over the next two years. While the Taoiseach would see his salary reach €200,000 if the proposed increases are accepted the Dáil heard.

Speaking during leaders questions this morning, the Education Minister said politicians "need to take the lead in respect of being more economical".

It came after Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dáil "a stop must be put" to all increases for TDs, ministers and the Taoiseach.

She said: "When citizens are struggling that would be the fair, right and decent thing to do.

"It is once again a case of one rule for ordinary families and citizens and another rule for those who are in power. It is an example of looking after number one while the rest can wait.

"The Government tells us this is new politics but it is the good old days again, which is perhaps not surprising given that Fianna Fáil's fingerprints are all over a budget once again.

She asked Mr Bruton if he would assure the house that no salary increase will be paid at this time to the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers, Deputies or Senators.

Responding, Mr Bruton said the previous Government had already "curbed" expenses by doing away with State cars and seeking to make the Dáil a more effective place to work.

He said: "That needs to continue and the Government will confirm next week that Ministers will not be taking the proposed pay rise."