I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 to 224, inclusive, together.
On the evening of 16 January 2012, on the margins of a meeting about another matter, I was made aware on an informal basis by an official in my Department of a conversation in which the Director of Corporate Enforcement had discussed his plans to retire. At that stage I was satisfied that discussions were on-going between my officials and the Director. My priority at this and at all stages was to preserve the integrity of the investigation into Anglo Irish Bank. On the afternoon of Friday 27 January, I received formal notification of the Director's intention to retire. On Monday 30 January 2012, I met with the Director and we discussed his retirement, and also the need to preserve the momentum behind the Anglo Irish investigation.
On 28 February 2012, I appointed the outgoing Director as Acting Director of Corporate Enforcement, with effect from 29 February 2012, under the provisions of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001 as a transitional measure to ensure continuity. The Public Appointments Service is undertaking a competition to recruit a new Director.