Michael D. Higgins Returns €2.6 Million to State Following Presidency
Dublin: Former Irish President Michael D. Higgins has returned more than €2.6 million to the state, comprising unspent allowances, salary elements, and pension-related payments accrued during his 14-year tenure.
According to official figures published in the report “2025 – A Year in Review,” Higgins most recently returned €384,467 in unused funds from the allowance allocated for his second term. He had previously returned €238,443 at the end of his first term. In total, the amount returned to the Exchequer across both terms stands at €2,622,875.
In addition, Higgins contributed a further €2 million to the state. This includes €1,310,491 from parliamentary and ministerial pensions, along with €689,474 from salary received during his presidency.
The allowances were granted under the Presidential Establishment Act 1938, which provides funding to cover official expenses incurred by Irish presidents. These funds are traditionally used for hosting state events, official engagements, and maintaining the presidential residence.
A spokesperson for Higgins said the funds supported the hosting of approximately 20,000 annual visitors to Áras an Uachtaráin—the official residence of the president—except during the COVID-19 period. The allowance also covered costs associated with visits by international dignitaries and events hosted by the President and his wife, Sabina Higgins.
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