Mr. Martin Fraser:

Anything can happen regardless of whether it has happened previously. We have appointed four Secretaries General in recent months and two appointments are under way. None of those positions is getting an increased remuneration. The Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, which is the one that people enjoy the most, is being advertised and is subject to a Top-Level Appointments Committee, TLAC, competition on the exact same terms. When my term is up, I would be amazed if there was any change in the terms and conditions for my successor.

I do not believe this situation sets a precedent. All the evidence shows it will not be. Of course, people may be opportunistic, but I know my colleagues - I hope I do anyway - and I do not think that anyone would believe that the Department of Health was anything other than a special case, which is the basis of this decision.