Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The contracts of employment are drawn up with the individuals concerned and are not part of the public service complement. As I explained in a previous response, they are on the payroll of my Department for administrative convenience but they are not departmental employees. The Deputy should be under no illusion, however, because I do not expect any changes in the foreseeable future.

See this speech in context