Figures released by the Department of Health show that salaries are made up of Health Service Executive (HSE) funded payments and topped-up with funds from private sources, such as the proceeds of the on-site shops and parking.

As reported in today’s Irish Independent, the Master of Holles Street is paid a salary and allowances of €236,000, and this is topped up with private funds of €45,000.

Holles Street is among a number of organisations paying allowances from private funds. The report reveals four of the maternity hospital’s senior staff receive private ‘top-ups’ of at least €30,000 alongside their state-funded salary and allowances. Doctors and management in the Rotunda and the Central Remedial Clinic are among those who have also received non-HSE top-ups to their state salaries and allowances.

The Department of Health says its policy is that non-Exchequer sources of funding cannot be be used to supplement approved rates of remuneration.

The HSE has written to the 43 agencies asking them to confirm compliance. So far five say they have stopped the reported payments, with 10 others asking for more time to examine legal and contractual issues.

Salaries in the health sector have been a frequent source of debate in recent years as Irish hospitals struggle to fund their vital services. The latest figures will lead many to question whether or not private funds should be supplementing already high state salaries. There will also be questions raised over whether or not the private funds could be utilised elsewhere.

Do you think it’s acceptable that senior hospital management receive top-ups from private funding sources? Should the state salaries be reduced if there are private supplements? Do you feel it’s important to provide top level managers and doctors with a high income, or are current salary levels unsustainable given the financial and resource challenges facing the HSE? Vote in our poll and leave your comments below.