Mr. Paul Reid:

I will add to what Mr. Watt said on GPs. It is a big issue for us. We are working very closely with the Irish College of General Practitioners, ICGP, on how we will bring through further trainees on the ICGP training programme. Ten years ago, approximately 135 GPs per year were coming through the programme. It is at approximately 235 at present. We want to get that up to 350 by 2028 and we are working very closely on that. We have reassigned the training roles, responsibilities and people across to the ICGP where it fits better, in terms of that programme and training. We are also looking at some non-trainee positions in order that doctors in hospitals can be assigned to trainee positions into general practice to try to get some further relief into it. We are very conscious of the issue and are working closely with the ICGP.

I commit to come back to the Senator with a brief note on the second point. I am not totally familiar with the notification of pension entitlements and delays with them. I have heard some exceptions but I will get a brief note back to the Senator.