Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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380. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update in respect of the salary scale related to the post of the Secretary General of the Department of Health; and if he has engaged with the Secretary General regarding the continuation of a waiver and or acceptance of €81,000 related to the pay scale in 2021 or to date in 2021. [1213/22]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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A revised salary of €292,000 was sanctioned in January 2021 for recruitment to the post of the Secretary General of the Department of Health, reflecting the challenges and very significant responsibilities attached to this role.

Section 3.1.3 of Building Momentum - A New Public Service Agreement 2021-2022 provided for a general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2021. Reflecting this adjustment, the rate for the post in the Department of Health with effect from 01 October 2021 is €294,920.

Further information on Building Momentum is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/e9d23-building-momentum-a-new-public-service-agreement-2021-2022/

I have no role in the gifting of salary by the Secretary General of the Department of Health. Gifting is a matter for the individual concerned. 

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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381. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has considered the recommendations contained in a report by the Houses of the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts and the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach regarding the way in which an annual salary for the Secretary General of the Department of Health was developed and awarded. [1214/22]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Report on the Processes and Procedures Applying to the Appointment of Senior Executives in the Public Service by the Houses of the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts and the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach is a lengthy examination of complex issues that span a number of policy and legislative areas. Given the scope and extent of the 288 page report, and the detailed recommendations therein, the report requires careful consideration. I am conducting a review of these issues which I expect to be completed in the near future. The recommendations of the Committee's report will form an important input to this review.