€400m job cull in HSE sparks alarm

GOLDEN goodbyes of up to €210,000 being offered to 5,000 HSE staff provoked controversy and alarm last night.

Health Minister Mary Harney rejected union claims the €400 million cull of one in six HSE administration posts within two months would end up with patients suffering.

The clerical and support staff will get pay-offs averaging €80,000 each, with senior managers walking away with a lump sum of €200,000, plus pensions.