Mr. Colm Desmond:

On a slightly higher level, the HSE and the Department agree in respect of the capacity for savings in pharma and technology.

There is a potential for savings in that area next year but certain costs may be needed to trigger certain savings. That area is being pursued actively in the framing of the service plan for next year.

The Chairman's question related to specific ideas that have come to the notice of the committee. It is a fair point and there should be a means by which they can come up through the system. It would not be for the want of the expertise within the system not realising the benefit of and making the best of such proposals, perhaps having considered them previously, or they may see other aspects to them that may or may not be as clear-cut as might be presented. Certainly the capacity for savings in this area is well recognised.