Ms Aisling Kelly:

First, it is not appropriate to comment on live complaints at this point.

We must have regard to the integrity of the process afforded to the disciplinary appeals panel. As a non-executive board, we are also the board of final oversight. We must have confidence in the disputes panel, to which we have devolved responsibility for this matter, to carry out the procedures. If there is a requirement then for an appeal or subsequent attention, we would come to any issues completely untainted from knowledge of them. My opinion and that of the board is that must have confidence in our disputes panel to deal with these matters.

The second leg of the question related to whether the board was aware of criticism. What I can say in commenting generally is that I welcome criticism. It is something that is to be supported and encouraged. It is not that the organisation does not regard the criticism of the board or staff members as something to shy away from. There is a line beyond which, however, appropriate criticism becomes perhaps inappropriate criticism, and that is a line to which all organisations should have regard.