Mr. Brian Purcell:

I suppose the allowances fit into three different categories. One relates to the nature of the work or requirements for attendance outside normal hours. The second relates to specific skills required for a particular duty. The third category is, in general terms, expenses incurred in the context of the job. As the Deputy noted, the way the system operated down through the years was of a patchwork nature. In other countries, there might have been more straightforward mechanisms for dealing with particular claims that would be applicable only to one sector and would be awarded on that basis.

In a general sense - I am sure the committee has considered this - it would probably be better for all concerned if there were a more rational overall approach in order that whatever allowances were regarded as core allowances would form part of pay and would not be there as allowances. At present there is that division, whereby roughly two thirds - one third in the case of the Irish Prison Service-----