Mr. Jim Lennon:

No, it does not curtail any of the operational issues relating to how we do our work. We report regularly to both departments and there is an agreement in place whereby we produce an annual report that goes through the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Departments of Finance. From an operational point of view, there is no issue. When the education group is meeting, we provide it with regular reports.

Where it will have an impact is if there were to be a significant change in the role, structure, function or operational requirements expected of the centre. Under the current parameters, that would need to go through the North-South Ministerial Council, unless there were changes at that level. I do not see any at the moment but you never know. It is possible there would be an impact if the current stasis were to continue for a prolonged period.