Maynooth University Addresses Tax Liability for President’s Accommodation
Maynooth University has settled a €47,000 tax bill with the Revenue Commissioners related to a benefit-in-kind (BIK) liability arising from accommodation provided to President Eeva Leinonen between 2021 and January 2025. The issue came to light in the university’s 2025 annual report and was flagged by Comptroller and Auditor General Seamus McCarthy, who noted the university does not intend to seek reimbursement from President Leinonen.
Background of the Tax Liability
From 2021 to January 2025, Maynooth University provided accommodation to President Leinonen as part of her employment contract. The university initially underestimated the BIK liability associated with this benefit, leading to the €47,000 discrepancy identified by the Revenue Commissioners following a compliance review. The payment to Revenue was made in February 2026.
Financial Details and University Response
According to the annual report, President Leinonen received a salary of €244,000 in 2025 and paid €6,000 in BIK for the accommodation provided until January 2025. The university has stated it is awaiting confirmation from the Revenue Commissioners that the matter is now fully resolved. Comptroller and Auditor General Seamus McCarthy reported that the university does not plan to recoup the €47,000 from President Leinonen.
President Leinonen’s Tenure
Eeva Leinonen assumed the presidency at Maynooth University in 2021, bringing experience from her previous role as vice chancellor and president at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, where she served for five years. She is originally from Finland.
University Executive Leadership
The University Executive, chaired by President Leinonen, provides collective leadership and management for Maynooth University. Key members of the University Executive include:
- Professor Aidan Mulkeen, Deputy President
- Professor Ronan Farrell, Vice-President Academic & Registrar
- Professor Rachel Msetfi, Vice-President for Research and Innovation
- Professor Patrick McCole, Vice-President International
- Professor Alison Hood, Dean of Arts and Humanities
- Professor Peter McNamara, Dean of Social Sciences
- Professor Paul Moynagh, Interim Dean of Science & Engineering
- Dr. Mike O’Malley, Bursar and Secretary
- David Keane, Director of Human Resources
- Dr. Gemma Irvine, Vice-President for Equality and Diversity
- Rebecca Doolin, Vice-President External Affairs
- Dr. Niamh O’Reilly, Chief of Staff
- Professor Tim Thompson, Vice-President Students & Learning
Further details on the University Executive structure can be found on the Maynooth University website.