13—(1) Where it has published a consultation draft in accordance with paragraph 11, the Department must consider appointing an independent person to investigate the proposals contained in that draft and to report on them..N.I.
(2) In deciding whether to appoint such a person, the Department must have regard to—
(a)any representations received about the matters to be included in the proposed marine plan, in response to the invitation issued pursuant to paragraph 5(5),
(b)any representations received about the proposals published in the consultation draft,
(c)the extent to which matters raised by representations falling within paragraph (b) have not been resolved,
and such other matters as the Department considers relevant.
(3) Any person so appointed must—
(a)report on the proposal within the period of 6 months from the date of that person's appointment, or such longer period as the Department may approve,
(b)make recommendations, and
(c)give reasons for the recommendations.
(4) The Department must publish the recommendations and the reasons given for them.