(Mr. Noonan, Limerick East): I presume the review referred to by Deputy O'Rourke is that of the 1978 working party established to examine the grading structure for Physiotherapists in hospitals. The report of the working party was circulated in 1979. However, this was not a pay review.
Physiotherapists, similar to all other Para-medical professions, have benefited in full from all standard and special pay awards under the various pay programmes down through the years. The relative position of physiotherapists, in terms of remuneration, has been maintained with those of their colleagues in other para-medical disciplines.
IMPACT, on behalf of physiotherapists is currently pursuing a pay claim under Clause 2 (iii)-Annex 1 of the Programme for Competitiveness and Work. These negotiations are complex and are ongoing under the auspices of the Health Service Employers Agency, with a view to arriving at a mutually satisfactory conclusion as soon as possible. In these circumstances I am sure that Deputy O'Rourke will appreciate that any further comment on my part would not be appropriate or helpful.
