Cabinet did not approve Watt's interim appointment, says Harris

Robert Watt is widely expected to win out and be appointed to the Health position permanently on the €292,000 salary, €81,000 more than his previous role. Picture: Gareth Chaney

The decision to appoint top official Robert Watt as the interim secretary-general at the Department of Health was not subject to a Cabinet memorandum or decision, Minister Simon Harris has said. 

Rather, he said ministers were merely informed about the decision at Cabinet.