Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The specific question raised by the Deputy relates to the salaries paid to Secretaries General across Government Departments. In my initial reply, I outlined that the salary scales and grades of every Secretary General are a matter of public record and are published in a whole range of ways, including through parliamentary questions that are answered here on the record. Information is also provided by way of the appropriation accounts. The specific issue that has been raised by some of the Deputy's colleagues relates to waivers or the gifting of a portion of salary by individuals. That is a personal matter. In respect of what we can publish, we are governed by the rulings of the Ombudsman and Information Commissioner. Following the bringing of a case to the commissioner in respect of the Freedom of Information Acts, the Ombudsman and Information Commissioner has deemed that to be personal information. This governs what we can and cannot publish with regard to net salaries and what somebody may decide, for whatever reason, to give as a portion of their salary. The salary set by State is a matter of public record, which is officially published.

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