I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 to 199, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters and executive functions, including issues relating to a tendering process adopted, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply. I have also had enquiries made of the HSE concerning the matters. The HSE has advised that there is a shortage in the supply of Consultants. It engaged in a tendering process that led to a Framework Agreement with service providers for the provision of medical locums by agency recruitment and this came into operation in February 2010. Having regard to the reductions in consultant salary scales due to overall pay cuts across the public service, the HSE ran a subsequent tender competition in April 2010, where requests for revised rates from the successful service providers on the framework were sought. This competition, however, was unsuccessful.