Ms Laverne McGuinness:

We met in December to discuss the implementation of the new compliance statement. All of the chairpersons of the section 38 agencies came to the meeting and we asked at that point that they signal their intent and confirm in writing that they would be willing to sign up to this process of compliance, and that they would sign it on behalf of their agencies. We have had that returned from all agencies, and all the parties have indicated their willingness to sign up to the process. We asked for the compliance statement to be returned by 31 May and we indicated that audits and plans could be formulated with regard to when compliance would be achieved in 2014. Almost all of the agencies have completed the process at this point, with 38 of 44 section 38 agencies submitting the completed statement. Four agencies were granted an extension due to the date of board meetings and our need for the signed annual financial statements. A further meeting was held with one agency to deal with very specific issues and one agency had a different governance structure as part of a university arrangement. That differs in legislation and the charter required with that. It is related to dentistry. Of the agencies, 36 have identified additional requirements for bringing them into full compliance. That process is set up as part of the overall business unit and those plans are being considered. By the end of 2014 we hope the majority of agencies will be in compliance. At that stage we will have resolved the issue relating to pay.

It is important to put this in context. We all acknowledge the very significant and important services provided by these agencies but, of between 30,000 and 33,000 staff in this sector, we are looking at 143 staff. That is the level of staff in these agencies. The number of staff is significant but we must consider it relative to the total number of staff in the sector. I am not minimising the issue but we must consider its extent.