The information requested cannot be provided in respect of the estimate for 2010, as the number and composition of interview boards will depend on the number and nature of the positions for which interviews will be held during the year. However, a total of €334,000 was paid to individuals and organisations in respect of Interview Board Members fees in 2009. This represents 631 interview days and 70 individuals or organisations were in receipt of payments. The pay rates for Interview Board Members are determined, from time to time, by my Department and the rates were reduced by 10% in May 2009. Payments are not made to serving Civil or Public Servants who act on Interview Boards. The Public Appointments Service strives to use serving officers to act on Interview Boards, however this is not always possible.