Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 927: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the bonuses that were paid to his staff for the year ending 31 December 2005; the amount of money that was paid; the way in which this was calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1925/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Under this Department's scheme of exceptional performance, 0.2% of the administrative budget, A1, may be made available to staff in recognition of exceptional contribution or performance by individuals or teams merit awards may be awarded to all grades up to and including principal officer.

Each principal officer is given a per capita allocation proportionate to the number of staff in his-her area. Awards are decided in conference by the principal officer and his-her assistant principal officers, covering the grades of services officer, clerical officer, executive officer, administrative officer and higher executive officer. an allocation is also made to the secretary general and assistant secretaries proportionate to the number of assistant principals and principal officers in the Department. Awards are decided in conference by the secretary general and the assistant secretaries, covering the grades of assistant principal and principal officer. Awards range from €400 minimum to €800 maximum for individual and group awards under this scheme.

In 2005, €23,465 gross was awarded under the merit award scheme to 16 groups and 36 individuals. Under the Department of Finance scheme of performance-related awards for posts at the level of deputy secretary and assistant secretary, the Central Committee for Performance Awards considers recommendations made by secretaries general. In 2005, awards totalling €22,700 were made to two assistant secretaries in my Department.