To ask the Minister for Regional Development why he indicated that he would require a satisfactory performance from the Chief Executive of NI Water over the winter period, rather than an exceptional performance.

The reference to a satisfactory performance in the approved Northern Ireland Water (NIW) Board’s proposed salary increase for the Chief Executive of NIW, related to the role of the Board’s Remuneration Committee in deciding whether or not to back-date the increase in salary from 1 November 2011, subject to the satisfactory performance of the Company and the Chief Executive over the 2011/12 winter period. It is a matter for the Remuneration Committee to develop the criteria that will be used to judge the performance of the Chief Executive over the winter period and to justify their decision. I have asked to be kept informed.