Health Minister James Reilly has tried to attract the attention of the government towards the salaries paid to public service personnel. Pointing out the hike and salaries, these officials get, Dr. Reilly insisted: "The _700m in cuts that will be needed in the health service next year may not be achievable without re-negotiation of the Croke Park agreement, which protects pay".

While, on the other hand, newly appointed HSE chief tried to advocate his _30,000 salary hike. Tony O'Brien, when served as a health official in Health Service Executive, he was paid _165,000. However, with a jump in his position and being appointed as Director General, he will now be paid _195,000.

When Mr. O'Brien was made to realize of the health cuts worth _130m, which had a significant influence on the care and services provided to elderly and disabled, and his salary hike, he stated that the matter of salary was what government decided and in any case he was being paid less than what former chief was paid.

Dr. Reilly asserted that in case budget of the government includes 70% of the pay and 90% subjected to some non-governmental organization, then major consideration has to be made towards the pay, instead of cutting the health services.