Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I wish to ask the Leader about the report that HSE west is to write off €6 million of funds owed to it by private health insurers, particularly in the context of the pressures the health budget is under. How is it that the HSE is allowed to make a decision to waive €6 million owed to the HSE not by private individuals, but by private health insurance companies with large profits? I ask this in the context of the downsizing by the Government of hospitals in the region, including Sligo and Roscommon, and various other hospitals and services, and the fact that this €6 million could be put to very good use. Perhaps the Leader will shed some light on that issue for Members on this side and on what the Government and the Minister for the Health intend to do about this decision taken by the HSE.

In regard to the special pay-outs mentioned last week in respect of some senior civil servants, it appears those arrangements apply also to some county and city managers and will cost the Exchequer approximately €16.5 million over the next two years. While the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance have said very little can be done about this - these are existing arrangements - what pressure is the Government putting on these individuals in regard to these special payments which are substantial in nature? What is the position in respect of reports that pensions are being augmented and additional years service being added for many senior public servants across the country? I know it is happening in our universities because I raised it in the last Dáil also. In that instance, additional pensionable service is being added even though there was a directive from the Department of Finance in January 2009 that in any case where the State would have increased liabilities regarding pensions, the trustees were to err on the side of the State. I would like to get clarification on that issue and on what the Government intends to do.

I note the Government Chief Whip is missing. He is obviously still suffering from Sunday's defeat. I am glad to see my colleague from Kerry is present. I hope Senator Coghlan attends the Seanad quickly.