Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 9, between lines 42 and 43, to insert the following new subsection:

"(6) Where before 1 April 2004 a person had been employed in the public service for a period of not less than 15 years, then that person shall not be treated as a new entrant if he or she resumes his or her office or position, or takes up another office or position within the public service on or after 1 April 2004.".

This is a simple proposal. It is important to create a sense of flexibility and movement within the public service. If we are to introduce this legislation, on which I am not too keen, at least we should not make it less likely that people will take time out to do something else such as becoming involved in the private sector, in the economy, pursuing a business idea and so on. I have argued this before and will not therefore go into great detail. The Minister seems to have set his mind against the idea. All I am saying is that what I am proposing is completely in line with Government policy and with the often stated position of Ministers and others on the importance of people from the public sector gaining experience in the private sector. They should be able to do that without being disadvantaged in terms of their current circumstances. It is an open and shut case. I presume it will be kicked out, like all the other good ideas I have had this morning.