Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator O'Brien and several other Members raised the question of the €6 million waived by HSE west for private health insurers. I am sure it is a matter that will be investigated by the Minister and certainly by the Committee of Public Accounts because it is appalling that such amounts can be waived for private health insurers.

On the senior civil servants and county managers, I am aware that recent payments to retiring civil servants have been on the basis of their career long contractual agreements and arrangements. Substantially increased pay rates were a feature of the previous Government. Benchmarking was introduced without any significant reform and, as such, the Government has inherited these types of situation. However, it has indicated it is committed to overhauling public service pensions. The Minister, Deputy Howlin, is currently reviewing the Top Level Appointments Commission, the terms for the new appointees and particularly the area of severance payments.

We would all like to congratulate Dublin footballers and our rugby team on wonderful victories.