Ms Marie-Claire Maney:

The first six months of my tenure were rather busy. In January, I studied all the statistics and submitted a business case to the Department of Finance, detailing five years of statistical analysis and seeking more commissioners and the introduction of a different tiered status in respect of the commissioners. That proposal was submitted to the Department. I am pleased to inform the committee that I recently received confirmation that the Department of Finance has sanctioned the business case. It is now with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for consideration. Once that is dealt with, hopefully recruitment can commence. It has been positive. I wish to commend the Department of Finance on its support for the commission, and in particular, Ms Deirdre Donaghy, who is the liaison officer and has worked exceptionally well with me. I also wish to thank the Minister, whose door has always been open to me.

That is the process. I hope that we will have the support of the committee after today. We have worked hard. I have personally worked exceptionally hard in the last year to make the progress required. I hope that the State will support us in trying to recruit more commissioners at different grades. I appreciate the Chair asking the question.