FUNDRAISING for hospitals could be hit by revelations that some senior employees receive top-up payments which bring their salaries over n200,000, a TD has warned.
Government ministers have expressed concern about reports that several hospitals in the Republic boost wages with cash from private sources, including on-site shops.
The master of the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin reportedly received an additional n 45,000 on top of her salary and allowances of n 236,000. The master of the city's Holles Street Hospital had a remuneration package just short of n 282,000. The master of the Rotunda Hospital got n 306,000.
The chief executive of Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin is also understood to have had his n 110,000 salary topped up with n 30,000 from retail outlets in the facility.
A fortnight ago the hospital opened a n 4.5 million purpose-built centre for children with congenital heart conditions. Private donations and fundraising footed the entire bill.
The figures were revealed after the Health Service Executive sought details of executive pay from voluntary hospitals - run by organisations for the state - to confirm they were in line with government policy.
Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming said the salaries "beggar belief" and could threaten community fundraising efforts.