Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 49: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the granting of pension top ups and discretionary payments to the former chief executive of FÁS was in accordance with the FÁS superannuation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44534/09]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The agreed severance arrangements for the former Director General of FÁS were granted in accordance with Section 6(3) of the Labour Services Act, 1987, which states that "the Director General shall hold office on and subject to such terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration and superannuation) as may be determined by the Minister [for Enterprise, Trade and Employment] with the consent of the Minister for Finance" and with the required approvals under S.I. 514 of 1998.

My Department sought and received sanction from the Department of Finance for the following:

· superannuation benefits (Pension and Lump Sum) based on 40 years service, including added notional service, payable with effect from 26th November 2009;

· an ex-gratia payment, equivalent to 6 months salary amounting to €111,243.50.

These severance arrangements were granted in order to secure the resignation of the person concerned from the position of Director General of FÁS as it was considered to be in line with the best interests of the FÁS organisation and its clients.