AN inquiry launched into the pay deals of semi state chief executives has that their salaries dearly breached Government guidelines in about five cases, it has emerged.

However, sources close to the inquiry said last night that the report, which investigated more than 100 State bodies found little evidence of abuse of Government pay guidelines.

The report was ordered after the controversy surrounding former Bord na Mona managing director, Dr Eddie O'Connor's pay package, which included more than £66,000 of unvouched expenses over a nine year period.

The most notable incident uncovered by the new report concerned an executive who was paid £9,000 for tax advice. In about three cases chief executives were allowed up to £8,000 per year for entertainment expenses.

The money was given with the consent of the relevant chairman was believed to be unvouched, but was fully taxed.

In a handful of cases membership of golf clubs was paid for by the organisations. The report also found several examples of State companies paying for their chief executives' VHI cover.

One source said that such payments had usually been signed off by the boards concerned and, were part of the chief executives contract. However, the source pointed out that, strictly speaking, the VHI payments should have been deducted from the gross salary. As they were not, this put the executive in breach of Government guidelines on pay as they exceeded the particular company's ceiling.

In some cases the executive's previous package included VHI payments and they retained this "perk" when they were promoted.

The report has been submitted to the Minister for Finance, Mrs Quinn, for his and the Government's consideration.