Mr. Simon O'Brien:

The ministerial meetings happen as and when they are required. I have met the Minister, as has the commission, on a number of occasions since we have been together over the past two years. We are an independent organisation with a body corporate; therefore, we will take certain aspects of our independence and the way we do business to us. It is not as if we have to speak to the Minister or his officials in regard to matters that we can deal with ourselves.

In terms of legal advice, I had not taken legal advice until this time in regard to the decision I took just before Christmas. Clearly, I have been taking legal advice, as has the commission, this week on the ramifications of my decision.