Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No problem. That is fine. I thank the Minister for his comments and answers so far. I wish to elaborate on some of the points made by Deputies Farrell and Tóibín regarding the agreed salary. Beyond the exact figure that has been quoted, what other benefits come with the position? People have mentioned the WHO and the HSE. Is there any comparative data for other EU member states, particularly those with comparable populations or health services of a similar size? What sorts of salaries and packages are on offer for equivalent positions? On the other side of that equation, what is expected in return? The Minister mentioned the Government's ambitions for the Department of Health and our health service as a whole. Tied to the salary, the package of benefits and the conditions, will there be any targets or delivery markers in terms of doing the job and fulfilling the contract beyond what is contained in the advertisement? How will performance be rated? Will there be six-monthly or annual reviews with the Minister for Health or will the Secretary General be solely answerable to himself?