Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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I thank Mr. O'Brien. In asking about the two institutions, I will make the same point made by Deputy O'Donnell. It is a serious issue for these organisations when their good name is brought into question. The CRC and, even more so, the hospice at Harold's Cross are significantly dependent on the largesse of the public. I am concerned about the damage that will be done. I understand that approximately 10% of the hospice's staff are paid out of fund-raising. None of us would like to see that provision removed. Everything that I have heard about the operation of Our Lady's Hospice has been praiseworthy. The number of families of which I am aware that speak highly of the hospice's work is difficult to calculate.

I have a couple of other questions about Our Lady's Hospice. Has an explanation been provided for the HSE allowance of €12,700 for the CEO for managing the Blackrock Hospice, a further €7,000 for the CEO from fund-raising or a further €19,000 that seemed to come from investments in respect of the CEO and three other senior managers?