Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

I thank everyone involved with this Bill. It marks a major progression in terms of encouraging civil servants. As Senator John Paul Phelan stated, it is very important that public servants be encouraged and rewarded for working to the best of their ability. The Bill is also important in terms of discipline and dismissal, which it addresses very strongly. Some of the areas with which the Bill deals are very technical. It outlines what would happen in the highly unlikely event of someone such as a Captain of the Guard having to be dismissed and nominates who should do this. It is important that the provisions in the Bill be very clear. This is the case.

We have had a very good debate. I thank Senators Moylan and John Paul Phelan and, in particular, the officials from the Department of Finance, who have worked long and hard in bringing this Bill through the Houses.