2—(1) Each member of the inquiry panel must be appointed by the First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly by an instrument in writing.
(2) The First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly must consult the person they have appointed, or propose to appoint, as the chairperson before they appoint any other member of the inquiry panel under subsection (1).
(3) The First Minister and deputy First Minister acting jointly may at any time during the course of the inquiry appoint an additional member to the inquiry panel—
(a)to fill a vacancy that has arisen in the panel (including a vacancy in the position of chairperson), or
(b)to increase the number of members of the panel.
(4) The power to appoint a member under subsection (3) is exercisable only with the consent of the chairperson (except in the case of a vacancy in the position of chairperson).
(5) The power to appoint a replacement chairperson may be exercised by appointing a person who is already a member of the inquiry panel.