Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the remuneration paid to advisers of Professor Brendan Drumm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12041/07]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the role of advisers to Professor Brendan Drumm; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12042/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 37 together.

As part of the arrangements for the appointment of Professor Brendan Drumm as Chief Executive Office, the Board of the HSE agreed that support and advisory resources would be provided for the implementation of the health service reform programme.

Section 24 of the Health Act, 2004 empowers the HSE to engage such advisers as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions. Any fees due to an adviser so engaged are payable by the HSE out of funds at its disposal.

It was agreed that one of the roles would be filled immediately by internal re-assignment and a second by secondment. The remaining three roles were of a consultancy nature and were filled through a public procurement process which involved a preliminary notice and shortlisting of candidates. Candidates were required to provide specific details, including fees charged. A contract was agreed for each advisor selected.

I understand that all of these advisers are contracted to provide 135 days each per annum but that different annual rates applied to each individual. Where work is required in excess of the 135 days, a per diem rate applied. This is capped at 20%, i.e. 27 days per annum.