Mr. Bernard Allen:

Information about the total number of applicants for the job, how the applicants were reduced to a certain number and how the final number was arrived at needs to be supplied.

I did not intend to speak but I cannot let that statement go that the filling of the chief executive officer's post was clean and smooth and with the impression being given to the committee that it was clear cut. In fact, we had to have a second round of interviews because a person who I deemed to be adequately suitable for the position did not even get to the final round of interviews. That is a matter of public record. It was signed off on and there was a majority decision made. Quite rightly, the Irish Sports Council went with the majority. However, I did express reservations at the time and reported back accordingly to the Irish Sports Council on the matter.