There is no reference to confidentiality in the legislation setting up the arms decommissioning commission in Northern Ireland.
The issue of confidentiality appears to have arisen in August 2001, when the IRA entered into an agreement with its chairman, Gen John de Chastelain, on a "confidential decommissioning scheme".
It was reported at this time that the general had confidentially agreed a method for destroying weapons. This would allow him to make a statement concerning decommissioning when acts occurred.
The commission is defined in the Northern Ireland Arms Decommissioning Act as "an independent organisation established by an agreement, made in connection with the affairs of Northern Ireland, between Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and the Government of the Republic of Ireland, to facilitate the decommissioning of firearms, ammunition and explosives".
Under the Act, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland can confer on the commission the legal capabilities of a body corporate.
This allows it to conduct its own affairs.
It is clear that the commission was expected to enjoy a considerable amount of autonomy in its dealings with those who had arms to decommission.