Mr. Barry O'Brien:

In our submission to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform we have identified this as an allowance that should be reconsidered and subject to review for new beneficiaries. Under the Department of Health and Children circular 99/2000 on Non Consultant Hospital Doctors agreement, the contract agreement included an annual pensionable allowance payable to GP registrars on an approved scheme. This allowance is paid in lieu of 120 hours worked outside of normal working hours. The allowance is currently €11,430 per annum and was paid to 76 GP trainees in 2011 at a total cost of €553,131. The Labour Court recommendation LCR 19702 in 2009 on Non Consultant Hospital Doctors, NCHD, contracts for renegotiation recommended the continuance of the allowance.