72 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Health whether he intends to make a recommendation for a salary increase for physiotherapists of all grades through the Programme for Competitiveness and Work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20894/96]

77 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health the current position regarding the pay review for physiotherapists; when a decision will be made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20958/96]

87 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the pay for physiotherapists is not comparable with other graduate health care professionals; if it is envisaged that the Programme for Competitiveness and Work will favourably review pay scales for physiotherapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21027/96]

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 77 and 87 together.

As the Deputies are aware, the talks between my Department and IMPACT — on behalf of physiotherapists — are complex. However, direct negotiations are on-going, 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 any further comment on my part would not be appropriate or helpful.