Mr. Fintan Towey:

We did, and it was discussed with the Minister. While the former chairman indicated his intention to resign on 9 November, it was actually 16 December before his resignation took effect. Towards the end of November we looked at the alternative of a process through the Public Appointments Service, but given the normal timeframes and the fact that in this case it would span Christmas, there was a view that it was necessary to move more quickly and to fill the vacancy. Following approval by Government on 12 January, Ms Hynes was appointed and has had the responsibilities of chair of the board since then.