Robert Watt appointment confirmed - but pay rise waived

Robert Watt will not receive the €81,000 pay rise which had been expected when he takes on the role as top official as Department of Health.

Robert Watt's appointment as the top civil servant in the Department of Health has been rubber-stamped by Cabinet. File Picture.

The Government has approved the controversial appointment of Robert Watt as full time top official at the Department of Health, but he will waive the €81,000 pay increase "for the time being".

Mr Watt will not receive the proposed €292,000 a year salary but will remain on the €211,000 he has been on in his previous role as Secretary General at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.