Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I am still at a loss to understand that. I can understand the explanation of the two roles and I can understand the need for the assessment officer to be independent. I have some difficulty, however, with the Minister of State's explanation that the same person could fulfil both roles. Although I have difficulty in understanding it, I accept the point. Senator Terry was concerned that a liaison officer would be independent in the performance of his or her functions. From what the Minister of State has said, liaison officers will be independent on that basis. However, if the assessment officer and liaison officer is the same person, can he or she be independent? I will take the Minister of State's point, although I am not quite sure I understand it.