Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his engagement with the committee. I am conscious that a lot has been said on the proposed remuneration of the Secretary General to be appointed. It should be clear that there is a sense of disquiet and dismay among many here and in the public about the scale of the increase for the Secretary General of the Department of Health, which is disproportionate. We want the very best in the Department and the challenges are huge but we have to evaluate what the appropriate package is. Many people are dismayed as to the scale of the increase.

I will ask two questions. First, it is apparent that the Minister was vested with the responsibility of setting the remuneration for the new Secretary General. Does he think it appropriate that he is invested with that power? TLAC plays a role in the recruitment of the person but is it appropriate that the Minister is invested with the setting of the package? While it might be appropriate for him to be invested with responsibility for the whole of the public sector, should there be a special or separate arrangement for roles at the top of the public sector?