To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on the appointment of a Commissioner for Victims and Survivors.

Mrs O'Neill

We are pleased to advise that the deputy First Minister and I will shortly meet the candidates who have been deemed suitable for appointment by the selection panel. The appointment of a new commissioner is essential in order to inform the development of policies and to help ensure that the longer-term needs of victims and survivors are represented by a strong independent voice. As we have previously informed Members, the appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, and, as such, it must comply with the code of practice for ministerial public appointments.

Mrs O'Neill

We have an opportunity. As I said, we are at the end stage of the appointments process. The deputy First Minister and I will be interviewing in the coming weeks to allow us to make a successful appointment, after which we can let that person get on with doing what they believe is right for the needs of our victims and survivors community. That is really important. As the Member is very aware in her role as Executive Office Committee Chair, the commissioner's role is vital, particularly for advocacy, history and education, as well as for young people. The role is very much about improving the lives of victims and survivors, but it is equally about making sure that the services that are in place are always fit for purpose. There is therefore a huge in tray waiting for the new appointee. I look forward to getting to the point at which we can make the appointment as quickly as possible.

Mr Sheehan

I welcome the commencement of a public recruitment competition for the new Irish language commissioner. Does the First Minister agree with me that that appointment will be hugely welcome among Gaeilgeoirí and the Irish language community in general, and represent another step forward in building a society that is underpinned by rights and respect for all?

Mrs O'Neill

Go raibh maith agat.

Yes, the fact that that post is out for appointment is a significant milestone. I think that that is very much appreciated by Gaeilgeoirí. The influence of the Irish language can be seen in every corner of life. Yesterday — St Patrick's Day — was a good example of that, with celebration across society: community groups, the media, arts, education and politics. It is very much a living language. It is everywhere. Is teanga bheo í an Ghaeilge.

The Irish language belongs to all of us. I want to continue to work hard to promote its development and to build on the tangible progress that we have made in our society. I am glad to be able to confirm that competitions have been launched to recruit the director and other members of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression and the commissioner for the Ulster-Scots and the Ulster-British tradition. Each commissioner will play a leading role in enhancing and protecting language in our public services and everyday life. I look forward to that coming to fruition as we seek to build a society that is underpinned by rights and respect for all. While we are talking about commissioners, I note that we have appointed a new Commissioner for Older People, which is a post that has very much been welcomed. I know that Members of the House will welcome that as well.

Mr McNulty

When the First Minister and deputy First Minister were asked previously about the appointment of a Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, we were told that it would happen "early next year". Now that we are into the third month of that year, can you confirm that there will be an appointment before summer recess?

Mrs O'Neill

As I said in my initial answer, we are at the stage of being able to move to interview. We are very close. We are very much at the end of the process. I look forward to getting the appointment over the line and announcing it in the coming weeks.