Welcoming the appointment Gregory Campbell said: “I am very pleased to be making this appointment. This is a key period for Sport in Northern Ireland with a new 10 year Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation due to be launched shortly. Sport Northern Ireland will have a pivotal role in driving forward the Strategy and in promoting the value, importance and priority of sport and physical recreation in Northern Ireland. I am confident that Dominic will bring strategic leadership to the Board at this crucial time.”
Notes to Editors:
- Sport Northern Ireland (formally known as the Sports Council for Northern Ireland) is a statutory body set up under the Recreation and Youth Service (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and is responsible for the development of sport in Northern Ireland, including the distribution of funding. It is managed by a Board of up to fifteen members including a Chair and Vice-Chair.
- The Chair was appointed by Gregory Campbell, the Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure. The appointment took effect on 1 August 2008 for a period of four years.
- The Chair position attracts a remuneration of £10,000 pa plus expenses. The Vice-Chair receives £3,500pa plus expenses; members receive no remuneration and receive expenses only.
- The appointments process was carried out in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice. A selection panel, which included an independent assessor, as required under the Commissioner’s Code, considered the suitability of all candidates. The final decision on the appointment rests with the Minister.
- 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 requirement for the political activity of appointees (if declared) to be published. Dominic Walsh has declared no significant political activity.
- Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
- Biographical details of new Chair
Dominic Walsh is the Chief Executive of the MSO Group. He was previously Managing Director of Home Fuels and General Manager of Cawoods Oil. His academic achievements include a BSc in mechanical engineering and an MBA from Queen’s University Belfast. Outside of his business life he is a non-executive Director of the British Printing Industry Federation and the RUC Athletic Association. A keen sportsman, Dominic played competitive rugby for 35 years and has since moved into coaching and management. He also has a keen knowledge and interest in a wide range of sports including golf, association football, gaelic, squash and recently, sailing.
Following a public competition last year Dominic Walsh was appointed as Vice- Chair to the Board of Sport Northern Ireland from 1 January 2008. He subsequently agreed to serve as Acting Chair pending the completion of the appointment process for a Chair to the Board.
