Minister announces Education and Library Board appointments

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has announced the appointment of a new member to the Board of the Western Education and Library Board.

Councillor Declan McAleer has joined the Western Education and Library Board as a local council nominee.

Councillor McAleer lives in Omagh, County Tyrone and has a career in teaching. He is presently lecturing part-time in Omagh College. He is also a School Governor of three local Primary Schools and a Member of the Board of Management of Strule Arts Centre. He is a member of the Sinn Féin Party and has been a member of Omagh District Council since 2005.

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. Board members are appointed by the Education Minister in accordance with Schedule 2 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986.
3. The Board member listed is a replacement Council nominee.
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 member listed does not receive annual remuneration in respect of their appointment, although travelling & subsistence allowance and financial loss allowance are awarded.
6. This appointment has been made in accordance with the 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 McAleer has declared that he obtained office as a District Councillor, 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, canvassed on behalf of a political party, or helped at elections and undertook other political activity which he considered relevant.
8. Councillor McAleer does not hold any other public appointments.
9. For media enquiries contact the Department of Education Press Office, Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.