Mr. Brian Carroll:

We are finalising the operationalisation of the terms of reference. We have got to the point where we can say he will be supported by a secretariat in our Department. There will be a secretariat available to him in the midlands. With regard to the relevant expertise, he is charged with reviewing experience and good practice, not just domestically but also internationally. There is scope within the terms of reference to consult the types of experts the Deputy referred to. The commissioner is also charged with taking account of existing plans and programmes. He will be reporting quarterly to the Government.

In response, the role of the just transition commissioner has only just been established and he has yet to start working through this programme. The aim is that this will effectively deal with the types of issues we are all trying to solve.