Ms Josephine Feehily:

Our work was not hugely advanced in any event. The first thing that struck me when I started to examine the section is that it is precise in that the Government goes to us, then to the Public Appointments Service and back to the Government. I needed to establish in the first instance, in light of material in the public domain, from commentators and so forth, whether there are any barriers which might prevent the Government at the end accepting a nomination. I have already had an engagement with the Department. I wrote to the Minister to ascertain whether there are any specific considerations which might prevent the Government accepting a nomination from us before we start. That is an important first step for us.

I became aware of the commission’s views earlier this week and I now have its chairperson’s, Ms Kathleen O’Toole, letter. My personal reaction is that she makes a useful, significant and well-considered point. I need, however, to bring the letter to the attention of my authority colleagues tomorrow when we meet to establish an authority view on her proposition. I have noted the Minister’s statement overnight that he is considering it. I would imagine the Minister will also be weighing up, as will we, the impact of a lacuna and how long it might be. There are considerations on both sides. The commission made some useful points. The authority will reflect on them and we will make our views known to the Minister.