Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister, Deputy Howlin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, to this committee. Deputy Howlin states in his presentation that he has had discussions with colleagues, both ministerial and others, on the Croke Park agreement. Will he update us on his objectives for savings: the timeframe in which it will happen; what is being done to make the agreement work to its maximum limit and the progress that is being made? One does not need to reinvent the wheel, but management is very important.

The Minister also referred to the second category of allowances which are made up of payments that do not form a significant element of the overall remuneration of the beneficiary. What is the timeframe for sectoral management getting agreements in these areas?

Earlier in the week the Minister announced an additional 8,000 voluntary redundancies. What is being done to ensure that key personnel are not lost, so that we do not suffer from a brain-drain? I am conscious that we could lose intelligence built up over many year, which I value greatly.