asked the Minister for Health when it is proposed to allow an arbitration award to be paid to county medical officers of health and their assistants in the North Eastern Health Board area in view of the fact that such payments have already been made in the South Eastern and Eastern Health Board areas.

The Deputy will be aware that the Minister for the Public Service and the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions have formulated draft proposals to amend the current Agreement on Pay in the Public Service.

Should these proposals be accepted by the Public Services Committee, arrangements can be made for the completion of the implementation of the award referred to in the Deputy's question.