The government has defended plans which could see chief executives of commercial semi-state bodies in line for pay increases worth tens of thousands of euro.

This decision has come under criticism from members of the opposition, with the Social Democrats’ Cian O’Callaghan saying there was a “double standard” when compared with lower-paid workers.

Brian Carey, Business Editor at The Sunday Times explained the significance of this on Wednesday’s The Last Word.

Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.