Minister announces Education and Library Board appointments

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has announced the appointment of two members to the Board of the Belfast Education and Library Board.

Councillors Robert Stoker and David Browne have joined the Belfast Education and Library Board as local council nominees.

Councillor Stoker lives in Belfast. He is presently an Economic and Cultural Development Officer with Greater Village Regeneration Trust and Chairperson of the Board of Governors of Donegall Road Primary School. He is also a member of the Ulster-Scots Agency Board and receives £4,000 per annum. Councillor Stoker is a member of the Ulster Unionist Party and a member of Belfast City Council since 1995.

Councillor Browne lives in Belfast. He is proprietor of a retail business and at present is Chairperson of Grove Housing Association. He is also a member of the Belfast Harbour Commission and receives £10,000 per annum. Councillor Browne is a member of the Ulster Unionist Party and a member of Belfast City Council since 1992.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The five Education and Library Boards are statutory bodies which perform a wide range of functions in the funding and delivery of local education, youth and library services for their respective areas.
2. The Board members are appointed by the Education Minister in accordance with Schedule 2 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986.
3. The Board members listed are replacement Council nominees.
4. The term of appointment is normally four years. However, the tenure this time will be affected by structural changes flowing from the Review of Public Administration and the creation of the new Education and Skills Authority (ESA).
5. The Board members listed do not receive annual remuneration in respect of their appointment, although travelling & subsistence allowance and financial loss allowance are awarded.
6. These appointments have been made in accordance with the Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments (OCPA) NI Code of Practice. All appointments 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 appointees (if any declared) to be published.
7. Councillor Stoker has declared that he obtained office as a District Councillor, has spoken on behalf of a political party or candidate and has canvassed on behalf of a political party, or helped at elections.
8. Councillor Browne has declared that he obtained office as a District Councillor, has spoken on behalf of a political party or candidate, acted as a political agent, held office such as Chair, Treasurer or Secretary of a local branch of a political party, has canvassed on behalf of a political party, or helped at elections and has undertaken other political activity.
9. Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701.
10. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.