Ms Jackie Harrington:

Going back to a question raised by Deputy Ó Cuív regarding the numbers qualifying for the higher rate. We analysed our customer base at a point in time. These figures can change because it depends on who has applied for the scheme and their actual earnings at a point in time.

It showed that more than 70% of those who qualified were qualifying for the higher rate of payment. These people who qualified for the higher rate would actually get the maximum rate, and that figure would increase in line with increased wages and salaries. I just clarify that point for the Deputy.