The details of RTÉ's exit packages to its senior executives and managers, including their negotiation and approval process, remain undisclosed. Despite the promises of transparency and reform, what we have heard from RTÉ since last summer suggests that a tendency to hide, evade and obscure the truth is deeply ingrained in its culture. As RTÉ evolves into a leaner organisation in the future, voluntary exit schemes and packages are likely to be offered to future executives. Does the Taoiseach feel that our national broadcaster should continue to use confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements for these exit packages? Should there be a cap on severance packages for senior executives and managers?

We have almost 9,000 apprentices waiting for off-the-job training who want to build the homes that we so desperately need. This is a real-life impact. I received a message from one such apprentice and he said:

Hi, I am an apprentice. I have been working for below-minimum wage as a plumber for the last 17 months. I am still waiting to go to phase 2 for over a year. I feel exploited since I have not been to college. I have been worked to my limits on a wage of €7.52 an hour. I have given all to my craft and I have had nothing but hardship given back but I continue to work hard every day.

What is the Taoiseach going to do about it?

Rarely have I heard so many breast cancer survivors and their families express such a level of outrage and anger as I have heard with regard to the HSE's 50% cut to the provision of mastectomy bras, mastectomy prostheses and post-mastectomy swimwear. These medical devices are essential to help to prevent lymphoedema, and to give women just a little confidence to face the world. The HSE is now saying to women that it will provide one mastectomy bra per year instead of the current two. How is this possible? Who has decided on this mean-spirited and unacceptable policy? Will the Taoiseach personally intervene to change it?

I thank the Deputies for their questions.

In response to Deputy Dillon's question on RTÉ, I acknowledge his work and that of Deputy Griffin on the committee. It is fair to say that Deputy Dillon is as clinical in the committee room as he was on the pitch. Yes, I believe there should be a cap. There usually is in these schemes. It is usually a maximum of one year's salary, two years' salary or something like that. I absolutely agree that confidentiality clauses should be avoided by public bodies. There might be cases where there is a good reason for them but it seems they were the norm rather than the exception in RTÉ, and that is not right.

Deputy Farrell raised the issue of apprenticeship rates. That is something that is currently under examination-----