We’re talking six figures and an awful lot of pocket change.
Facebook Ireland have neither confirmed nor denied that their staff received more than three times the average industrial wage in Ireland in 2015.
The Irish Times, quoting figures just made available by the Companies Registration Office, reported that Facebook’s employees in Ireland – which numbered around 583 in 2015 – received approximately €71.8m in salaries, share payments and added benefits.
That works out at approximately €123,000-a-year each, or more than three times the average industrial wage of around €36,500-per-person.
JOE contacted Facebook on Monday for a comment.
While they do not comment on the pay and remuneration of their employees, Gareth Lambe – Head of Facebook Ireland – did say, “We are proud that in 2015 we have continued to grow our business and focus on our goal of connecting the world.
“The increase in our revenue is attributable to growth in advertising from the international business community that advertise on our platform.
“2016 has been an exciting year as we continue to invest in Ireland and concentrate on our advantages as a talent hub and centre of excellence.”
Lambe added: “This year we announced the creation of 200 jobs bringing the number of people to over 1,500 in Ireland. We also began construction on a data centre in Meath and opened a new Oculus research office in Cork.”
The Times also reported that the international revenues that Facebook channelled through Ireland last year came to €7.9bn, a rise of 64.5% from the previous year.
The vast majority of the €3.1bn revenue increase went out as royalty payments to other Facebook companies, with a relatively minor taxable profits in Ireland.
The company made profits before tax of €109m in 2016, with €16.5m paid to the exchequer.
Main image: Facebook Ireland/Google Maps
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