Mr. Tony O'Brien:

Even if all these forms were being signed within 30 days, given that the overall transaction value here is more than €500 million, one would expect to see a significant sum outstanding at any point in time. What is at issue is those that are over time. To maximise inflows of cash, the first thing we need to improve is the preparation of forms for sign-off by consultants. As we have outlined, one of the critical success factors in those hospitals that have performed best is the electronic claims process. In terms of claim value, our hospitals have that for approximately 51% of claims. We have another tranche coming on in July and by the end of the year we want 85% to 90% of hospitals to operate in that space. That will enable them to reduce the period they require to do this work.