Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, for bringing this important Bill through the House. I share the sentiments expressed by Senator Brian Hayes, particularly as it is almost 30 years to the day since I came through a Civil Service Commission examination. It is important that the spirit and ethos of the commission is maintained in the more flexible arrangements that are now required. This Bill has an obvious relevance to the more flexible management of Departments and the decentralisation programme to which the Minister of State has made an important contribution.