Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his questions. I have made reference to the executive search process and the work ongoing between the Public Appointments Service and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. That is expected to happen in this quarter. We estimate that approximately 121 personnel will be required for the start-up phase of Coimisiún na Meán with a number of these to be hired before formal establishment. An additional 33.5 staff are being sought for the commission to deliver on the recommendations of the Future of Media Commission. In addition, as provided for by the Bill, the staff of the BAI, who currently number 35 full-time equivalents, will transfer over to Coimisiún na Meán on its establishment. In the longer term it is envisaged that Coimisiún na Meán will require in excess of 300 staff to fully operationalise its functions as envisaged in the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022.

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