Mr. Tony O'Brien:

I am happy to repeat the previous confirmation that was contained in my last opening statement - not of this year, but of last year. However, if the Deputy would like a separate letter I am very happy to do that.

I wish to address the issue of section 38 and section 39 organisations. The section 38 review arose from the Tallaght HIQA inquiry. It went to the HSE board as it then was in July. For the avoidance of any doubt about public pay policy, a process was commenced including the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, which resulted in a restatement on an unambiguous basis of public pay policy at the end of September. That resulted in communications to the section 38 organisations from the national director of HR confirming that policy and the bringing to conclusion of the audit process against that policy. That policy also made clear that while section 39 employees are not public servants and are not bound in the same way, there is a requirement for them to have "due regard to public pay policy". The letter that issued in November was in that context.

Regarding section 39 organisations' disclosure, that was written into the 2013 service arrangement or agreement and consequently they have all had an obligation under that agreement to make those disclosures. We are currently evaluating the completeness and accuracy of those disclosures. When we are in a position to do so we will be happy to share the data to ensure the committee is made aware of those data.

Regarding the provision of the section 38 report to another committee - the Committee of Public Accounts-----