Ms Laura Brien:

That is correct. We are based in Wexford. We have a staff of 25 people now, with a plan to get to 74. This will probably take us about a year. We hope to be up to around 50 or 55 by the end of the first quarter of 2024. We are actively recruiting. I recognise the validity of everything the Senator said around staffing and skills. A regulator is only as strong as its people. We are a collection of people and it is our skills, abilities and expertise that will drive success.

From my perspective as chief executive, my number one priority now is recruitment. I refer to getting good, experienced staff in the door who will deliver on the mandate of MARA. This is not an easy job to do. Public sector recruitment is a challenge across all areas and not just in this space. At the same time, however, we recognise we are competing with the likes of An Bord Pleanála and the local authorities, who are also interested in recruiting the same mix of people and skill sets as we are. We are, therefore, actively out there recruiting. We want MARA to be known as an attractive employer and a good place to work, where people can do interesting, challenging and meaningful work that will deliver good outcomes for a broad suite of society. This is really what we want to achieve.