Howlin saddles up for horse-trading

The government will soon publish the results of its review of the system of allowances, special payments and premium rates to employees in the public service. Unbelievably, there are in excess of 800 separate payments which officials are reportedly examining, assessing the "business case"” for each one before an expected cull.

Public expenditure minister Brendan Howlin wants to reduce the state's spending on these allowances, which cost an estimated €1.5 billion annually. He ...