James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

It is disappointing that Deputies are unable to obtain the information sought as to the number of candidates for the position and how many are external and internal candidates. Does the Minister have a role in the process of recruiting a new chief executive officer of the Health Service Executive? What will be the salary of the new CEO? We have been given to understand it will be in the region of €228,000, which is considerably less than the salary of Professor Drumm.

The Minister referred to a consultancy firm that is involved in the recruitment process. What has been the cost to the State of this firm's role? The Minister also indicated she hoped an appointment would be made in June. I refer her to comments made by Professor Halligan when he declined the job. He described the health service as "over-managed and under-led", adding "You don't need €17 billion. You absolutely don't . . . you need leadership,".

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