Vol. 545 No. 4
212 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance if the Buckley report made recommendations regarding overpayment for appointment holders; the steps he has taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30702/01]
The review body on higher remuneration in the public sector, which was established in 1969, is an independent standing body whose primary function is to advise the Government on the general levels of remuneration appropriate to higher public ser vants, Civil Service, local authorities, health boards, non-commercial State bodies, Garda Síochána, Defence Forces, hospital consultants etc., members of the Judiciary, members of the Oireachtas and other political office holders. Consequently, its recommendations set the remuneration levels for top posts across all arms of government of the State. In doing so it takes account of the differing responsibilities and tasks applying to each of the posts being reviewed and recommends salaries based on these weightings in a fair and equitable manner.
In line with the established Government policy of accepting the recommendations of this independent review body, the Government decided to accept and implement the recommendations in report No. 38. In relation to a number of posts, the review body recommended a rate of pay below the current rate. The Government decided that in these cases the present holders of the posts should continue to be paid their existing salaries on a personal basis, subject to their contractual arrangements. The review body recommendations will therefore not result in a decrease in salary for the current holders of these posts.
