Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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288. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the approvals given since May 2016 for exceptions to public pay policy; the details of the employer and the nature, quantum and reason for the exception, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1687/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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In June 2011, the Government introduced a general pay ceiling of €200,000 for future appointments to higher positions across the public service and a general pay ceiling of €250,000 for future appointments to CEO posts within Commercial State Companies while recognising that in a small number of cases exceptions may be necessary. Other than the then proposed appointment of a CEO for the ESB (appointed in December 2011 at an annual remuneration rate of €318,083), which was facilitated by the policy provision that in a small number of cases exceptions may be necessary where the role is of substantial importance, no sanctions have been issued for new appointments in excess of those pay ceilings. 

By way of further information, I should point out that arrangements have recently been approved by the relevant departments (DPER and DES) under the Framework provided for under Section 25 of the Universities Act 1997, for the recruitment of up to 10  world-leading researchers to Ireland under Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) Research Professorship Programme. To remedy the situation whereby it is difficult to recruit Research Professors at the desired level in targeted areas, and in recognition of the potential commercial benefits to Ireland from their work, it would be possible for  those recruited to earn up to the maximum salary that applies in the commercial semi-state sector (€250,000) subject to the achievement of key performance criteria including commercial benefits for Ireland.