Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I share her frustration about this morning. I do not believe this is how it should have worked. The committee should have had the terms of reference last night and the intention was that all the relevant information would be on the Department's website before this meeting. I accept the committee's frustration on that point.

The terms of reference were informed by stakeholder engagement. If memory serves, the Deputy was on the Oireachtas briefing. We had a briefing with quite a wide range of civil society groups and service providers. The terms of reference, including the independent chair, reflect the engagement I and the Department did in trying to set this up.

Regarding why the appointment of a chair of the review has been delayed, I agree with the Deputy that I would much prefer to have been announcing the chair this morning but we have e-tendering legal requirements we have to go through due to the quantum of money involved. However, it is not my intention the chair would only be appointed at the end of phase 1. Rather it is my intention the chair would be appointed relatively early during phase 1 and would be able to inform phase 1. There is also scope for the chair, in consultation with me, to adjust the terms of reference. We can have a conversation with the chair, for example, if the chair believes things are being missed.

With regard to access to expertise, absolutely, this has been raised many times. While there is not a standing advisory panel, we will make sure the chair has access to any expertise he or she deems necessary. We want that to be led by the chair.

On the Deputy’s question on the selection panel, I will ask Ms Luddy to give a description of exactly the process involved now through to where I get recommendations for the chair.