Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 662: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the bonuses, merit awards and other payments above the basic salary that have been approved for the heads of State agencies, boards and other quangos for 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the basis for the decision to approve such awards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31196/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Performance Related Award (PRA) Scheme in operation in Non Commercial State Sponsored Bodies was introduced following a decision by the Government on the implementation of recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector. PRA Schemes have only been approved by the Department of Finance in respect of the CEOs of five Non Commercial State Sponsored Bodies under the aegis of my Department.

Where agencies participate in the Scheme awards made are solely a matter for the Board of the agency concerned and must be in accordance with the principles set out by the Review Body. In this regard, awards should be related to the achievement of highly demanding and challenging targets and stretch objectives which are difficult but not impossible to achieve. Payments have not yet been awarded in respect of 2008 as the Scheme only provides for the payment of awards after the year end, when it has been demonstrated that the prior agreed stretched objectives have been met. Details of awards made to individual officers under the Scheme by the various Boards are not disclosed on the basis that they are confidential to the individual concerned, however the range of awards made in respect of 2005 to 2007 is as follows: