Mr. Barry O'Brien:

The history of this allowance would have emerged from national pay negotiations in which deals would have been done for certain grades of staff. The craft workers would have what is termed an "analogue agreement". Part of the analogue agreement would have contained specific reference to this allowance. Currently there are 352 staff receiving the allowance of €843.60c. The cost to the HSE is €280.497. It has been abolished for new beneficiaries. A substantial number of external providers are now engaged in maintenance and other works.