Mr. Tom Byrne:

No. First, a comment was made to the Minister that we should publish names. Legally we cannot do that. There was some unfortunate correspondence that I have visited hospitals and have had surgeons on arrival sign off claims for €500,000. Those at-risk claims have been dealt with and we have a very good relationship developed with our surgeons. We must take this in the context of the fact that a surgeon has a job to do. The surgeon responsible for a patient must sign off on everything for that claim, be it endoscopes or wards. That is being addressed. The issue is more about getting back the money due and having claims sent back for minor points. At August 2013, debtor days have increased from 46 to 60 days for claims awaiting payment and from 26 days to 34 days for pended claims. Claims awaiting consultant and other actions have dropped by €10 million.