Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is wonderful to welcome Ms Logan. I thank her for attending. A collective "Yay" was uttered - most appropriately - when we heard about her appointment. She described the process relating to her appointment in her presentation, which was both independent and very different from those which obtained in the past. She also outlined her concern with regard to the Toland report and whether it will have implications for the way in which the commission is viewed in the context of its independence. I agree with her in this regard and I hope what she referred to does not prove to be the case. Having walked very carefully through the legislative process when the Bill was being debated, I am of the view that the commission's independence has been strengthened considerably and that what has been done will provide the basis for an A status.

My first question relates to the challenge of bringing together the two cultures which obtained within the Equality Authority and the Irish Human Rights Commission and among their staff. Does Ms Logan have some thoughts on the challenges which might arise in this regard and how the new commission might rise to them?