I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 86 together.
Professor Aidan Halligan was appointed as the chief executive officer of the interim Health Service Executive in September 2004. When appointed, he indicated that he would not be in a position to take up the post until April 2005. Following discussions between the interim Health Service Executive and Professor Halligan, he subsequently agreed to start at the end of January 2005.
During the week ending on 14 November, Professor Halligan informed the interim health service executive that he would not be taking up the post. Professor Halligan has cited personal reasons as the sole basis for his decision. The interim health service executive has reluctantly accepted his decision, and has recommended Mr. Kevin Kelly as interim chief executive officer with effect from the 1 January 2005, pending the resumption of the recruitment process.
PricewaterhouseCoopers was selected, following a competitive tendering process, to handle the recruitment of the chief executive officer. The cost of the recruitment campaign, covering fees, expenses, advertising and VAT has amounted to €103,283.80.
The board of the interim health service executive has indicated to me that it intends to continue the recruitment process for a chief executive officer with immediate effect. The board plan to re-advertise the position shortly and interviews will be held as soon as a suitable shortlist of candidates is available. The post will be filled as soon as possible, following a successful completion of the recruitment process.
Following a recommendation by the board of the interim health service executive, at its meeting on Saturday, 20 November, I appointed Mr. Kevin Kelly as the interim chief executive officer of the executive, with effect from 1 January 2005. He will step aside as chairman of the executive in order to take up this interim position. He will remain in place until the new CEO is appointed.
With the agreement of Mr. Kelly, the undertaking of the responsibilities of the interim CEO will not alter the remuneration currently payable to him, in respect of his services as executive chairman, which amounts to €100,000 per annum.
