Dr. Aideen Hartney:

A significant element of our work programme each year is involved in supporting employment as a theme. That involves research to inform various policy actors and the development of guidance, but also all our work on working committees and interdepartmental working groups to guide, inform and influence the development of policy. Unfortunately, we do not have responsibility or powers to impose, direct or create policy. We advise. Nonetheless, this is a very significant strategic priority for the NDA and we have a number of staff dedicated to that. One of them is my colleague, Ms Wilkinson, who leads out on that area as well.