Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005
172 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the total amount paid to date in severance packages for chief executive officers of the former health boards; the total likely cost to the State of these packages; if severance packages have been agreed for other senior staff of the former health boards; if so, the likely cost to the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20839/05]
View answer306 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the total cost of the recently announced package in respect of management of the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21279/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 306 together.
I presume both Deputies are referring to the arrangements available to former health board chief executive officers retiring from the Health Service Executive by 1 July 2005. These arrangements are available to chief executive officers on the basis of their unique position within the context of the transition to the new health service structures and their leading role in facilitating the transfer of accountability and a safe passage to the new structures. The arrangements contain three elements. First, payment of their severance terms, including pension, lump sum and severance pay as provided for under section 78 of the local government superannuation scheme, of which they are members. The amount due to each individual varies depending on salary and service. Second, an ex-gratia payment, the net amount to be equivalent to six months’ salary. The estimated total cost of this element of the package is €650,000. Third, a retraining grant of up to €10,000 to be paid on the basis of vouched expenditure.
No payments under these arrangements have been made to date. Severance packages have not been agreed for other senior staff of former health boards.
