Mr. Barry O'Brien:

The Gaeltacht allowance. There is a specific statutory instrument that affords to those working in the Gaeltacht the capacity to receive a percentage of base pay for working there. While it is called the travel allowance for non-nursing personnel, it is a cross-sectoral allowance that applies in the local authorities and other bodies. Obviously, a co-ordinated approach would be taken in that regard. We have already clarified that the cardiac allowance, the weekly allowance, is superannuable and is subject to a Labour Court recommendation that states clearly it is part of core pay. Therefore, we will be clarifying the matter. The second-opinion provision is the one that was part of the Labour Court recommendation. The consultants' continuing-medical-education allowance is being dealt with as part of the LRC discussions. There is a view that it ought to become centralised and more effectively managed. There is a statutory obligation on all consultants to maintain their competence for the Medical Council. There is a proposal in this regard. That is how that is being dealt with.