Wow!! Totally missed that. Outputs connected to ground!

Inputs on the other hand should in the limit be connected to the state that draws the least amount of power.
It isn't essential that ground be used. You might chose +V over ground because of layout issues

Dear Keepitsimplestupid,
I had connected pins 11 (output), 12 (input) and 13 (input) to GND. I now removed the pin 11 out of the IC socket and bent it outwards. Inputs are still connected to GND (as should be) and the output is now disconnected and left floating .... thanks to AK for his timely help.

 

What about pin 10 (output)?

 

What about pin 10 (output)?

Thanks DickCappels, Pin 10 drives the MOSFET.