Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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No, there is no such allowance. This issue has come up and parliamentary questions have been tabled on it. Obviously, I have discussed it with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, because it has arisen in the case of An Garda Síochána and other professions. Many years ago there was an allowance, but it was removed. The cost of reinstating it across the public sector would be very substantial. It, obviously, could not be done for any one professional group as it would have implications for all others. As soon as gardaí come out of the training college and begin to work and do overtime, the payment does increase substantially. I know that people still have concerns about the level of pay. Clearly, with improved economic stability which I hope will continue, the payments agreed under the Lansdowne Road agreement and the tax changes from 1 January will begin to be felt.