Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 May 2018
46. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the role of his Department in approving an increased salary level for a CEO of a section 38 organisation that has been unable to recruit a suitable candidate at the approved rate of pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21673/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2015, my Department completed a review of the appropriate salary levels for the CEOs of Section 38 funded agencies, in conjunction with the HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The review came about as a result of a recommendation made in the HSE’s Internal Audit Report on remuneration of senior managers in Section 38 agencies. This recommendation stated that a review of the remuneration rates of CEOs and senior management was required for a number of organisations, particularly in the social care area, to ensure pay rates reflect the comparable size, scale and complexity of each organisation.
Where a Section 38 organisation can demonstrate that it has attempted to fill a post but has been unsuccessful in attracting suitable applicants, there may be grounds for a business case to be made to the HSE to seek an increase in the remuneration level payable. If the HSE were supportive, it would then be considered by my Department. Given the senior level of the post in question, sanction would also be required from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
I understand that the Deputy has already made representations in relation to one specific agency, KARE. I am aware that this is not the only agency in this sector experiencing this challenge. My officials have sought a meeting with colleagues in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to explore the issue further. As outlined any change to the approved salary attaching to a CEO position requires the submission of a business case to the HSE and the approval of both my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
