Dr. Marie Archbold:

In 2023, we allocated funding for 21 roles and at the end of 2023, nine of the 21 were filled. The allocation of funding for the remaining 36 was made. The letters went out to the CCMA in mid-February, which is a month ago now at this stage. They are not filled yet. However, we imagine panels have been developed in terms of the 21 that were sent out and allocated last year. We would hope that would allow quicker allocation and quicker placement of staff in the local authorities. As has been raised previously at this committee, however, it is proving very difficult to get resources into these positions, not alone within this sector but in the broader sector. We are doing everything in our power to support the local authorities in getting those.