(1) On the request of the chief executive made within 24 months after the establishment day, the Minister may, by direction in writing, transfer to the Agency the employment of a person who is employed in a Department of State or by a public body, but only if the person has agreed to have that employment transferred to the Agency.
(2) The chief executive may make such a request only with the concurrence of the Agency.
(3) The conditions of employment of a person whose employment is transferred under this section are to be no less favourable than those applicable to the person immediately before the transfer, except in so far as a collective agreement negotiated with a recognised trade union or staff association of which the person is a member expressly provides otherwise.
(4) If any dispute arises between a person whose employment is transferred under this section and the Agency as to the conditions of employment applicable to the person immediately before the transfer, the Minist