Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Yes, it is urgent, and it is a very complex and arduous task. In the interim, the legislation is being driven, devised and worked on by a steering group involving the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Finance and NTMA. I do not see what the problem about that is because that is how one goes about doing anything in a logical fashion, given the fact one requires the involvement and input of these people.

Regarding what is happening in practical terms in the setting up of the agency, we appointed Mr. McDonagh as interim managing director. Recruitment will take place, in line with the way people were recruited to the State Claims Agency. Other people were recruited in the past to bring in the expertise necessary and they will work, as I outlined earlier, in that regard. They will go through the various valuation methodology and the various work they have to do.

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