Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I am not aware of the terms of such arrangements for the purposes of today's debate. However, if such arrangements are contractually in existence and agreed upon, they are not in any way affected by this legislation. They continue to stand. That issue is not germane to this Bill.

The Civil Service Commission and Local Appointments Commission arrange for recruitment to public service positions. If we were to legislate that in the case of a resigned public or civil servant, he or she had an extensive right of return to the service, it would be to the disadvantage of others such as school leavers who might wish to join the service.

Question, "That the words proposed to be deleted stand", put and declared carried.