The Central Bank offers half-million bonus bait in efforts to retain 'key' staff

The Central Bank, Ireland’s regulatory financial body, has paid out almost half a million euros to 28 employees as part of a programme to retain “key” staff – The Times reports.

However, new staff must agree to extend their notice period from three to six months in return for the money.

The Bank said: “This policy was developed in response to the Bank’s risk of losing key employees who are in certain strategic roles critical to strategically significant projects with regard to the functions of the bank.”

The Central Bank has previously argued that it struggles to attract and retain talent with Deputy Governor, Cyril Roux, set to leave the Central Bank to join the private sector.