Draft legislation pegging the maximum salaries for the public sector to that of a government minister have been sent to the council of state for its recommendations.

Home affairs minister Ronald Plasterk hopes the new rules will come into effect on January 1 next year.

Currently public sector officials can earn up to 130% of a minister but that is being cut to 100%. With pension payments and expenses on top, the maximum for a public sector company chief will be €177,410, Nos television says.

Plasterk said he is not concerned that senior staff will leave for the private sector. ‘Some will head off to Wall Street. If that is what you want, that is what you should do,’ he said.

The new maximum will only apply to new executives and ministers will be able to make exceptions in some cases, Plasterk said.