Dr. Patrick Prendergast:

Not really, as the letter also states that the HEA recognised that it might not be contractually possible to reverse from commitments made and, if so, punitive financial action would be taken. The HEA recognised that it may not have been possible not to proceed with the promotions, as we had committed to the staff involved. The promotions cost €34,000 in the three months before the new employment control framework came into operation in March. The HEA has proposed how to resolve this, together with the issue of allowances, and we have agreed to accept the HEA's proposed resolution.