Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am not asking whether these people are sunning themselves on holidays. My understanding is when people take a sabbatical they are no longer employed by that company but they can return to their job. They are taking a break but they are not representing the business then. Professor Barry said this person went to Australia. Why would the person get expenses when taking a sabbatical? The person took the sabbatical for a year or two and yet could claim expenses. Of course, the job is there when the person returns.