44.—(1) The Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, may appoint such and so many persons to assist the Council in the performance of its functions as the Minister considers appropriate.

(2) The persons appointed in accordance with subsection (1) shall be employed in accordance with such terms and conditions, which may include secondment from another office or employment, and receive such remuneration as the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, from time to time determines.

(3) The Minister may provide such administrative and secretarial support to the Council as he or she considers necessary.

(4) The F59[Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004], and the Civil Service Regulation Acts, 1956 to 1996, shall apply to full-time, permanent employees of the Council.