The Minister for Transport must answer questions relating to a proposal by DAA to make an extravagant exit payment of almost €1 million to its chief executive, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s transport spokesperson, said:
“The eye-watering sum of money involved in this proposed exit package for Kenny Jacobs is deeply concerning. It is extraordinary that DAA should recommend a golden handshake of this scale when its CEO is less than three years into a seven-year term.
“It is now within Minister Darragh O’Brien’s remit to either approve or reject the DAA’s proposed deal. However, the minister first needs to explain how we have got to a point where this incredible sum of money has been put on the table.
“We also need to know why such a large exit package is being proposed in this instance when template contracts for CEOs of semi-State bodies provide for a three-month termination package. Has Mr Jacobs’s contract deviated from this and, if so, is the minister aware of why it has been amended in this case?
“Given the significant amount of money involved, this exit deal could have serious repercussions and set a precedent for other semi-State bodies if signed off by the government.
“It is very important that the minister deals promptly with these questions and we don’t see the issue kicked down the road – only to be quietly announced over the Christmas period.”
November 12, 2025