I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 to 143, inclusive, together.
The National Economic and Social Council (NESC) comes under the aegis of my Department. The savings that would arise in a full year from a 10% reduction in the salary of the NESC Director would be €17,635. As no fees are payable to members of the NESC Board, no savings would arise. Although the National Statistics Board (NSB) is not classified as an agency under my aegis, I am providing the following for the information of the Deputy. Under the Statistics Act, 1993, the National Statistics Board comprises a Chairperson and seven Board members. Appointments to the NSB are made in line with the provisions of Section 18 of the Statistics Act 1993. The Chairperson is entitled to an annual stipend of €8,978 and those Board members entitled to a stipend receive €5,985. The costs of the Board are met from the CSO Vote.
The following table shows the potential saving to the exchequer if the amount of the stipend was reduced by 25%. This figure is indicative only, and would vary depending on the make up of the board and the number of members entitled to stipends.
% Reduction
|
Potential saving
|
25%
|
€8,229.50
|