I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 31 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the HSE's internal audit report on remuneration in health service providers funded under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004 has found that there are a variety of unapproved payments being made to senior managers. Staff of these organisations are public servants and are subject to Government pay policy.
The HSE Internal Audit has indicated that the CEO referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of two allowances, one for managing another location and one for assisting with fundraising for the organisation.
The HSE has a team of senior managers following up with all of the disability organisations and hospitals, including the agency referred to in the Deputy's question, to ensure that a clear plan to achieve full compliance with health sector pay policy is developed with each agency.
As set out in the pay policy, if an organisation wishes to make a business case for the continuation of an unapproved allowance, it is open to it to do so and any such cases will be considered by the HSE (with the involvement of my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, as necessary).
While this process is underway it would not be appropriate for me to comment on an individual case. As stated previously, these issues are being examined on a case by case basis and it is important that due process is followed.
