Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The Senator uses the phrase "under contract" but, as he must be aware from his extensive experience in industrial relations, not every employment relationship has a definite deed in a box with a label saying "Contract." These matters are often dealt with via circulars or correspondence. There is not always a binding document with a signature at the bottom. I am not aware of the particulars of the situation in the Passport Office. As a matter of law, the personnel side of the Department of Finance takes the view that there are rights, and there is an employment relationship, within the category of those employed in the Passport Office. There are people on panels who have a right to pre-empt——