Mr. Tony O'Brien:

I have no idea whether it will be normal or not. Each judgment is made on a case-by-case basis. The standard contract of employment for chief executives of State agencies such as this provides for a process where one can apply for the consent of the Minister if there is a remuneration involved. I have two consents from two different Ministers. One relates to a pro bono teaching commitment I have to a health sector-related higher level course in a third level institution in this country in respect of which I give approximately 15 hours per year and for which there is no remuneration. The second relates to this issue, of which the Deputy is aware. I followed absolutely the correct procedure in this regard.