State Bodies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023

Tuesday, 25 July 2023

Questions (1342)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1342. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 5 July 2023, if the returns (details supplied) include pension contributions paid to all the other CEOs by the State; if not, the details of same; if, in respect of the VHI return, he will provide further details on how the interim CEO is getting both an acting-up allowance and a performance-related payment; if he will provide details of the €72,000 and €62,000 payment-bonuses in respect of the VHI returns; if he will provide details of the exit payment; if there will be a similar exit payment for the new CEO of VHI BIK medical; the actual amount paid; the policy with VHI; if not, with whom; if with VHI, if discounts are applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36655/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In respect of the rates of pay set out in the Excel table attached to PQ No. 210, those rates are the gross rates of pay that the employee pension deductions are made from. No deduction on behalf of the employer is reflected in the rates provided. I have asked the Non-Commercial State Agencies to advise in respect of pension contributions paid by the State and will provide this information by way of separate cover once the information is collected and collated.

In respect of the queries raised concerning Vhi, it is a Commercial State Body operating in highly competitive and regulated insurance and healthcare provision markets. Vhi does not receive funding from the State.

Vhi provided detailed information re. PQ No. 210, which is contained in the spreadsheet. This material included that during the period August 2021 to February 2023, the CEO position was held by Interim CEOs. The Interim CEOs remained on their pre-existing employment terms and conditions which included a provision for performance related pay. They were not on CEO State contracts. An acting up allowance was separately agreed in consideration of the additional responsibilities.

A termination payment was made to a former CEO on completion of the full term of his contract; this was in accordance with the CEO contract agreed with the Department of Health and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.  There is no similar arrangement in place for the current CEO.

A private medical insurance policy from Vhi forms part of the CEO’s remuneration.