Dr. Kevin Smyth:

With regard to the salary, it is based on a personal contract for the CEO. The salary is disclosed to the Minister. What he received in 2018 and 2019 is known to the Minister. I have seen that letter. It is commercially sensitive and private information. I believe it would be a breach of GDPR and his contract if we disclosed that salary. We are aware of what he is paid.

With regard to the banding of salaries, it is permissible under the 2016 code of governance. A number of other State bodies have the same arrangement, with permission. It is a relatively common practice. HRI and the Irish National Stud follow that practice as well.