Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

The salary levels in the Department, according to the Department, reflect the grading structure of the Department, which, in turn, reflects the evolution of the Department over time. The structure of the Department represents the amalgamation of three separate Departments at various stages - finance, public service and economic planning and development. The structure also reflects the nature of the work undertaken by the Department, which is different. The system grew up over time. That is the position and it will change again as soon as the legislation comes in to put in place the Department of public expenditure and reform because we are dividing the Department. However, we are dealing with many historic issues and I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that. As long as I have been in politics, the Secretaries Generals and senior staff in the Departments of Finance and the Taoiseach have been on a higher rate of remuneration than their equivalents in other Departments.

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