Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 October 2009
86 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he gave his written or verbal consent to the financial package agreed with the former director general of FÁS; if his consent included keeping the taxpayer-funded company car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35013/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe severance package agreed on behalf of the former Director General of FAS was submitted to my Department by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. My Department issued its consent, on the basis that it was an exceptional case and that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment was satisfied that the terms of the package were appropriate in the circumstances. I was advised orally by my officials about the final package and having confirmed that it was within the guidelines I did not object to the terms.
My Department's consent to the company car being given the former Director General as part of the package agreed with him was not required and did not therefore form part of my Department's consent. I have dealt with the position in relation to the retention of a company car by a chief executive on retirement in my reply to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 87.
87 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the rules and regulations as distributed by his Department concerning directors of semi-State agencies keeping company cars as part of a retirement package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35014/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position in relation to the retention of a company car by a chief executive on retirement is dependent on the terms and conditions specified in the individual's contract of employment and any other relevant provisions in the body's establishment legislation.
In 2006, the Department of Finance wrote to all Government Departments circulating a template employment contract for chief executives in non-commercial state-sponsored bodies. This was intended as a guide to State Bodies and Government Departments in the preparation of contracts. The template provides that, where a car is supplied, the chief executive shall comply with all regulations laid down by the Agency from time to time with respect to company cars, and on the termination of appointment the chief executive shall return the company car to the Agency. Different provisions may apply in the case of contracts entered into before the issue of the template contract.
