The Energy Minister, Darragh O’Brien, publicly defends a pay arrangement for ESB chief executive Paddy Hayes, which it says could increase his salary to as much as €480,000 by June 2028 if performance targets are met.
Multiple reports describe the proposal as a substantial increase from earlier levels, citing an increase of around €90,000 associated with the deal and referring to a later figure of almost €162,000 higher than his salary earlier in the year. The Irish Independent reports the minister argues Hayes’ pay is justified, while also referencing the broader context of energy prices rising.
The Daily Mail focuses on the minister’s decision to sign off on what it calls a controversial deal, again reiterating that the CEO’s pay would reach €480,000 by June 2028 subject to targets. While outlets share the core details of the pay package and the minister’s defense, they differ mainly in tone—one emphasizing the minister’s rationale amid soaring prices, and the other highlighting the controversy around the agreement.
