The acting head of the Department of Health will be entitled to a severance payment of at least €105,000, enhanced pension terms, or the offer of an international post even if he is not given the job permanently, it can be revealed. There has been significant controversy over the proposed appointment of a new secretary general at the Department of Health on a salary of €292,000 a year. The others were Martin Fraser (secretary general to the Government), Jim Breslin (secretary general in the Department of Higher Education) and Brian Purcell (former secretary general in the Department of Justice). Despite being asked to provide information to the committee on the process, Mr Donnelly declined to do so. However, we know that the director general of the WHO earns €199,165," she said.

Source: Irish Examiner March 23, 2021 06:30 UTC