With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
Presumably the Deputies refer to a claim made by representatives of district medical officers for a major change in the basis of granting them time off duty. As the claim has not so far been conceded by the employing health authorities, one of the staff organisations concerned—the Medical Union—has instructed its members not to make their services available as substitutes for district medical officers who may have to absent themselves from duty because of illness. I have had discussions in the matter recently with representatives of the doctors; these discussions are continuing.