Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her reply. I submitted this question to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin. In the course of her reply the Minister said that he played a role in at least one of these appointments. Given the economic climate and the level of debt in this country it is hard for the Government to justify transferring a person from the HSE at such an exorbitant salary. It is the same as, if not more than, the salary of the President of France. The head of the family support agency may even be earning €5,000 or €6,000 more than the President of France who holds a very responsible position.

The appointment is for three years. I find it hard to comprehend that a suitable person could not be appointed on a full-time basis. There may have been efforts made in advertising. That person is probably receiving something in the region of what the Prime Minister of Britain receives. I am glad to hear that there will be a further recruitment of some suitable person at a later date. We are a bankrupt country and we are weakening our hand in negotiating in Europe and are severely hindered.

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