The VHI board is meeting today to discuss how to break the impasse over filling the post of chief executive in the health insurance company. Although the meeting is a scheduled monthly meeting, the issue will top the agenda.

It is expected that the group will outline its position on the matter after the meeting. Before Christmas the board had recommended the appointment of Mr Ray Bates, the current chairman of the National Lottery, as its chief executive.

However, this was rejected by the Government because the £135,000-plus pay package would breach the terms of the Gleeson guidelines.