Bertha McDougall was appointed interim victims commissioner

Candidates were interviewed months ago, and an announcement was expected before the summer recess at Stormont.

A committee to scrutinise the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister wants to know why this did not happen.

"We want them to be honest and tell us what are their difficulties," said SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly of the committee.

"Everything to do with the needs of victims is held up until that appointment is made."

I think it's important that they get the right person for the job, regardless of the cost, but I'm starting to lose faith Alan McBride Wave Trauma Centre

Deputy chair Naomi Long said she did not want the work of the person eventually appointed to be overshadowed by "rumour and speculation".

"This must be a merit-based appointment, not a political appointment," she said.

Alan McBride, of the Wave Trauma Centre victims group, said the post should be readvertised if necessary.

"I think it's important that they get the right person for the job, regardless of the cost, but I'm starting to lose faith," he said.

Earlier this month, the Office of First and Deputy First Minister denied in a statement that it was stalling over the appointment.