The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris MP, has announced the appointment of a new Chair and members to the Parades Commission for Northern Ireland.
The appointment of a new Chair, Evelyn Collins and of members, Derek Wilson, Billy Gamble,and Nicola Rountree will take effect on 1 January 2024. The new chair and members will join Joelle Black who will remain a member until her term of appointment ends on 31 March 2024.
A further two new members, Pauline Leeson and Rachel Quigley, will take up appointment with effect from 1 April 2024.
All appointments will be for three years.
Background
The Parades Commission for Northern Ireland was established in 1997 and took on its full powers in 1998 through the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998. The Commission operates as a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Northern Ireland Office.
Under the terms of the Act, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is responsible for making appointments to the Parades Commission. The appointments are made in accordance with paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 of the Act.
