Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The terms of reference for the appointment of and the severance package relating to the person to whom the Deputy refers, namely, the former Secretary General at the Department of the Taoiseach who was also Secretary General to the Government, were set by the previous Administration. My term of office began this year. We have made a number of very significant changes already. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is committed to reviewing the terms of appointments for persons appointed to senior positions within the public service. I give the Deputy a commitment in that regard. As already stated, the Government has honoured the package put in place for the former Secretary General at my Department which was put in place by the previous Administration. As the Deputy is aware, the Government is also committed to the introduction of a single pension facility. Information relating to that matter will be published shortly and that information will contain further details of very significant reforms in this area.

See this speech in context