McGuinness: HSE must stop paying increments

The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee John McGuinness says the HSE simply can't continue to pay increments to staff, given the pressures on the health service.

It emerged yesterday that the Health Service Executive paid €17.6m in increments to workers this year - 200 of whom earn over €100,000 a year.

"You must bear in mind that these increments are being paid on the back of allowances in receipt by some and salaries that are protected. All of this is protected under commentary but there's very little commentary under Croke Park about increments and allowances," McGuinness said.

"As the HSE comes under pressure, it's now time to review all of this. It simply can't continue."