Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

It was thought, when the legislation was being drafted and this office was being created, that it was better to give the director the power to recruit the staff in view of the fact that he or she would be best qualified to decide the calibre of employee required. It is a highly specific area. However, whatever staff are normally recruited by the director will be subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance. I understand what the Senator is saying, however, and I propose to discuss that with the Minster for Finance. I cannot say if there will be any change at this stage, but I will convey the Senator's concerns to the Minister and to my colleague in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.