Vol. 512 No. 5
84 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if an award of £2,000, under the merit pay scheme, was made to a member of staff in his Department (details supplied) in 1998; if so, if he will outline the basis for this award; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26581/99]
The merit pay scheme is part of the administrative budget system agreed between my Department and the Department of Finance. The secretary general of the Department is allowed to distribute up to 0.2% of the total salary budget to officers who are deemed to have had exceptional performance. The officer mentioned by the Deputy was considered to qualify for a merit award for 1998 based on his performance in the year in question.
