Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Finance if bonuses were paid to higher civil servants in the Garda Síochána; if so, the amounts paid; and if he will provide details of recipients and the reason for such payments. [6340/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the Deputy is asking about performance-related awards paid to the members of the Garda Síochána. Following recommendations made by the review body on higher remuneration in the public sector, a scheme of performance-related awards was introduced for the deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner ranks in the Garda Síochána. Similar schemes of performance-related awards were introduced for the levels of deputy secretary and assistant secretary in the Civil Service and the ranks of brigadier general and major general in the DefenceForces.

The awards schemes are based on performance by reference to demanding targets. The pool for performance awards is 10% of the pay bill for the group concerned. Within that overall limit individuals can receive payments of up to 20% of pay. Decisions on awards are made by the committee for performance awards, CPA, which includes a majority of private sector members. The main roles of the committee are to monitor the application of the scheme of performance-related awards and to bring independent judgment to bear in approving objectives for the persons covered by the scheme and in approving recommendations for awards.

Details of the procedures, the numbers covered by the schemes, the range of awards and the total amounts paid in the Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and Civil Service Departments are outlined in the annual reports of the committee, available on the website www.finance.gov.ie. The committee does not identify the amount paid to individuals as this is regarded as personal information.