I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 103 together.
There is a complex history of relativities between clinical psychologists employed by the health boards and psychologists in the Department of Education. The Conciliation and Arbitration procedures for both groups, while similar, are located in different fora.
In the Civil Service, psychologists, as professional staff, have established a pay relationship with Inspector grades in the Department of Education.
These various groups bring forward their own pay claims on an independent basis, through the appropriate trade union at the relevant forum for Conciliation and Arbitration.
Notification of a claim on behalf of health board psychologists has been received and is being processed in accordance with normal procedures under the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for employees in local government and health services.
In view of my role under the scheme and my statutory role in relation to the remuneration of the staff concerned, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the merits or otherwise of the claim in question and, in particular, on the specific issues raised by the Deputies, pending the outcome of normal industrial relations procedures.
Health board clinical psychologists did receive a special award under Arbitration in June 1988 arising from a claim made in respect of an earlier special award given to the Department of Education psychologists.