Mr. David Moloney:

It is certainly something that fits into the remit of the independent review panel, following on from the report of this committee as well as several related issues. We have in place a three-tier structure but we also seen very significant movements in departmental responsibilities over time. That impacts on how one might access a three-tier structure. That is one of the issues we have asked the Donal de Buitléir group to look at and make recommendations on. Certainly the Minister is conscious of the concerns that have been raised about how salaries are set and has explained to the committee and others, in great detail, the evolution from the former review body on higher education, moving into pay cuts and the financial emergency measures in the public interest, FEMPI, legislation reductions and restoration to our now emerging into a different phase. Therefore, it is appropriate to consider how we might look at pay determination into the future.