Mr. Frank Conaty:

The resource difficulties are well acknowledged, as my colleague has pointed out. I reassure all concerned that we are working with the senior staff of both agencies to identify and put more colour on the impact of these deficiencies and what is needed to address them. That work will continue in the coming months. We have had constructive interaction with the Department on the matter. It is something that will be engaged with very robustly in coming weeks. I emphasise that we are working constructively with all concerned to try to ensure these deficiencies are addressed as soon as possible. It will be critical for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission in coming through the merger process that these resource issues are addressed as soon as possible in order that we do not have further delays in that regard. We are working towards that end.