Economist appointed to the DARD Research and Education Advisory Panel

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) have made a new appointment to the Research and Education Advisory Panel (REAP).

Dr Andrew Moxey has been appointed to serve as an economist on the panel (REAP). REAP, established in September 2005, is an advisory non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) that provides independent expert advice to DARD on education, research and development and technology transfer policy.

Dr Moxey, a freelance economist based in Edinburgh, took up the vacant post in December 2006 and is appointed until November 2008.

Dr Moxey has carried out no political activity within the last five years. He will be paid the standard fee of £300 per meeting (of which there will be at least four per year), plus travel and subsistence expenses at Civil Service rates.

Notes to Editors:

1. REAP comprises of a chair and eleven members.
2. Biographical information on REAP members, together with minutes of meetings and REAP’s first annual report are available on the REAP pages of the DARD website .
3. All applicants to REAP are assessed by an open, competitive process, in accordance with the Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments (OCPA) NI Code of Practice. A selection panel, which includes an independent assessor, is required under the Commissioner’s Code, to consider the suitability of candidates. The final decision on appointments rests with the Minister. Dr Moxey was appointed during the previous administration by David Cairns MP.
4. All appointments to REAP are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activity of applicants (if any declared) to be published.
5. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619.
6. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.