Dr. Ambrose McLoughlin:

There are some systemic issues here. We are having difficulty in recruiting people in the health system within the current parameters of public pay policy. My Department regularly makes business cases to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to point out the concerns we have. I do not have the specifics of the €258,730 but it does seem a large amount of money. I am sure Mr. O'Brien and I will be able to provide an appropriate response to the Chairman.