12.—(1) The Minister may appoint a person to be the first Director.

(2) Subject to subsection (4), the first Director shall hold office for such period (which period shall not exceed 2 years after the establishment of the Council) and on such terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration, fees and allowances for expenses) as may be determined by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

(3) Where the first Director ceases to hold office for any reason before the expiration of the period of his or her appointment, the Minister may appoint a person who shall be known as the first Director who shall hold office for such period (which period shall not exceed the remainder of the term of office of the person who occasioned the vacancy he or she is appointed to fill) and on such terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration, fees and allowances for expenses) as may be determined by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

(4) When a Director is appointed under section 11, the first Director shall cease to hold office.

(5) Until the appointment of a Director under section 11, the first Director shall perform all of the functions of a Director under this Act.

(6) References in this Act to the Director shall, unless the context otherwise requires, include the first Director.