Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Senator McDowell has opened up a very tricky area, which is crucial. I did not understand that those working in our offices as support staff were all civil servants of the State. This has many implications, including possible gains for members of staff. The question, as Senator McDowell says, deserves a fuller answer. This would give clear rights to people in terms of their entitlement to apply for positions, to be retained in positions and so on, which I would welcome. I would like clarification on this issue so we do not get ourselves into a mess.