O’Keeffe: Drumm must make ‘moral call’ on bonus

BRENDAN DRUMM is under increasing pressure to refuse his controversial €70,000 bonus after a Government minister said the HSE chief executive had a “moral call” to make.

Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe said that while Professor Drumm was legally entitled to the money, the bonus was being paid at a time when the HSE was facing severe budgetary problems. “Legally, he’s entitled to the money,” Mr O’Keeffe said.

“I think it’s a judgment call for Prof Drumm. He’s aware of the difficulties that pertain, the budgetary situation within the HSE, and really it’s a moral call for him in the circumstances.”