Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of times since 1987 that civil servants have been forced to obtain an order from the courts enforcing or associated with enforcing their contractual rights and entitlements; the additional cost to the Exchequer over and above that which would have prevailed had the State recognised and honoured the contractual rights and entitlements involved in the first instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32857/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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There have been no occasions in my Department since 1987 that civil servants have been forced to obtain an Order from the Courts enforcing or associated with enforcing their contractual rights and entitlements.

Most civil servants are 'office holders', who hold office 'at the will and pleasure of the Government', under section 5 of the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956. The terms and conditions of civil servants are set and varied by the Minister for Finance under Section 17 of the 1956 Act rather than by a contract.