To ask the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to outline the process for the appointment of a Victims' Commissioner; and to detail the number of candidates that have applied for the position.

Article 4 of the Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 makes provision for the Commissioner to be appointed by the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly. This is a regulated appointment falling within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Northern Ireland (OCPANI).

Following public advertisement in January 2007, 46 applications were received. An initial eligibility sift process was applied to all applications to determine if sufficient evidence was provided against each of the essential criteria. As a result of that exercise, 14 applicants were invited for interview by a selection panel, consisting of two senior civil servants and an independent assessor appointed by OCPANI. The interviews were conducted over a three day period in March of this year.

Following the interviews the panel prepared a list of candidates, who were considered suitable for appointment. This list was subsequently forwarded to the First Minister and deputy First Minister for their consideration. The complete process was overseen and certificated by the independent assessor.

An announcement is expected to be made before the Assembly rises.