Mr. David Moloney:

I have just been given a more detailed answer for the Deputy. The context is the Civil Service disciplinary code, which begins with the issuing of a level 1 verbal warning, followed by a written warning, a level 3 written warning, extension of the period of validity of the warning, deferral of an increment, debarment from competitions and promotions, withdrawal of concessions, reassignment to a different location or duties and withdrawal of allowances. Those are all measures the Minister can take prior to going to the Government. There are elements of the Civil Service disciplinary code that do not apply to Secretaries General.

Because of their appointment by the Government, they do not apply by statute. Those elements are lower-rate remuneration, reduction to a lower grade and suspension without pay. Those are not available to the Minister in respect of a Secretary General. The final level of sanction is dismissal, which would be a matter for the Government.