Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to standardise the level of remuneration and expenses that are paid to each member of publicly appointed State boards both public sector and semi-State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3782/12]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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My Department has no plans to standardise the rates of remuneration paid to State board members. The rates of remuneration paid to members of both commercial and non-commercial State boards are structured within four categories of fee payment type, the basis of which has regard to factors such as organisational scale, complexity and governance. The rates of expenses paid to State board members are a matter in the first instance for State boards to determine, having regard to the equivalent rates paid in the civil service. Since last November it has been the position that public servants serving on State boards are not paid a board fee payment for such service on the basis of the one person one salary principle.

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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As it would be helpful to have a sense of clarity around the salaries and expenses of State board members, I ask the Minister to consider this as a future measure. This would save the numerous parliamentary questions to try to find out the various payments made across State boards. I ask the Minister to look at the payments within the four payment bands and provide for clarity regarding the expenses paid to members of State boards. I ask him to review this suggestion.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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On foot of the Deputy's request, I will look at this issue. There are four bands, or categories, depending on complexity. In the non-commercial State bodies the bands range from the top end - the more complicated and larger agencies - in which the fee per board member is €14,963 to the bottom end - the less complicated agencies - where the fee is €5,985. If the Deputy, or any Deputy, has any suggestions to make regarding the current structure, I will consider them in the review.