Mr. Pádraig Love:

I do not think his findings are binding. Obviously, we will take full account of what An Coimisinéir Teanga or other ombudsmen have to say in the context of the greater legal position around Civil Service appointments. My colleague from the Commission for Public Service Appointments could equally well impose a ruling on us following which we could end up dealing with the joint committee about it as well. Equally, the Ombudsman would also make rulings from time to time. We would always take them on board once it does not conflict with directions we are getting from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.