Former Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe must appear before an Oireachtas committee to answer questions about the government’s decision to provide an extra €10 million to the World Bank prior to him taking up a senior position with the international development organisation, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s finance spokesperson, made his comments in response to reports in the Irish Daily Mail.
He said:
“The revelation that former Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe approved an additional €10 million in taxpayer funding for the World Bank, just months before taking up a lucrative senior role there, raises serious questions.
“According to reports, the World Bank recommended a contribution of €131.4 million from Ireland for 2025–2028. Officials in the Department of Finance also advised the same figure.
“Despite this, an extra €10 million was provided, bringing the total contribution to €141.4million.
“This was just months before he resigned his Dáil seat to take up a €600,000 a year position at the World Bank.
“Prudent Paschal doesn’t hand out an extra €10 million lightly – so what changed?
“The decision raises serious questions – questions that should be answered by the former minister at the Oireachtas Finance Committee. Current Minister for Finance Simon Harris must also make a statement to the Dáil outlining the government’s rationale for paying the increased sum to the World Bank.
“Why did Paschal Donohoe ignore the preferred option from his own department? Did he declare a potential conflict of interests to government colleagues?
“And crucially, when was he made aware that a senior role in the World Bank was becoming available?
“A €600,000 job followed a €10 million top up. The timeline demands scrutiny, as does the decision-making process that led to this decision.”
January 13, 2026