Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

That was the issue that arose. It was clearly the case that it was regarded as in the best interests of the organisation that the change take place. Therefore, as far as the board was concerned the arrangements made were analogous to those if the contract had been extended. If one considers the guidelines in place, they relate to the severance arrangements whereby people have an entitlement to increased severance arrangements where their contract ends before the termination of the contract itself.

In the exceptional circumstances of this case, that is, the need to allow FÁS to move forward, the severance arrangements were approved by the Departments under the provisions of the Labour Services Act 1987 which covers the DG's remuneration and superannuation terms.

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