To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 15 January 2007, Official Report, column 951W, on the Northern Ireland Children's Commissioner, if he will break down the number of applicants by (a) gender and (b) religious affiliation; and how many of the applicants were (i) shortlisted and (ii) interviewed. (111369)

Out of the 46 applicants for the post of Commissioner for Children and Young People for Northern Ireland:

(a) There were 17 male and 29 female applicants.

(b) 14 were from a Protestant community background, 24 from a Roman Catholic community background and eight other. 14 were short-listed for interview. Two candidates withdrew from the competition prior to the interviews being conducted, resulting in 12 candidates being interviewed.