Revealed: Watt could get €105k and enhanced pension if he is not appointed to top health job

The 'Irish Examiner' has seen correspondence showing what the acting health chief is entitled to if his job is not made permanent

Robert Watt is one of the last secretaries general to have been appointed prior to the introduction of new employment terms in 2011. Picture: Oireachtas TV/PA Wire

The acting head of the Department of Health will be entitled to a severance payment of at least €105,000, enhanced pension terms, or the offer of an international post even if he is not given the job permanently, it can be revealed.

There has been significant controversy over the proposed appointment of a new secretary general at the Department of Health on a salary of €292,000 a year.