Taoiseach contacted Robert Watt to take on Department of Health job

Oireachtas Finance Committee was taking evidence from Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath about his controversial decision to approve a salary of €292,000 for the next secretary general in the Department of Health

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Michael McGrath told the Oireachtas Finance Committee that Robert Watt, above, had 'no input' in the formation of the salary package for the secretary general of the Department of Health. Picture: Oireachtas TV/PA Wire

Taoiseach Micheál Martin personally contacted top official Robert Watt to take over as the top official in the Department of Health in early January, the Oireachtas Finance Committee has heard.

The committee was taking evidence from Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath about his controversial decision to approve a salary of €292,000 for the next secretary general in the Department of Health.