Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I have two more questions. There is craft worker's tool allowance, an allowance given to craft workers for the purchase of their tools. I understand it is abolished for new beneficiaries. I though this was peculiar. We have this provision in other sectors, such as the local authorities. I understand 352 staff received this allowance in 2011 and it amounted to €280,497. What regulations are in place for this allowance? Is it vouched expenditure? Is all the money being spent on buying tools? Would it be more beneficial if the HSE were to provide the tools? Is it proposed that the HSE will buy the tools, with the suggested abolition of the allowance?