Economy Minister announces appointments to the Board of The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland

Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds has announced the appointment of three new members and the reappointment of the Chair, Deputy Chair and four existing members, to the Board of the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.

Competition for new Chair for HSENI

June Butler, Gerry McCurdy and Alan O’Neill have been appointed new members, with the appointments commencing on 1 April 2020 for a three year period.

Additionally, Sheila McClelland (Chair), Mick McAteer (Deputy Chair), Noyona Chundur, Lynne Crowther, Sinead Furey and Joan Martin have been reappointed to the CCNI Board, also from 1 April 2020, for a further three years.

Commenting on the appointments, Diane Dodds said:

“The new members are joining the Board of the Consumer Council at a very challenging time for all consumers. Their extensive experience and the skills and talents they will bring to their roles will be of undoubted value to the Council as it pursues its aims of championing and safeguarding the interests of consumers in Northern Ireland.”

The Minister added:

“I wish all of the new members, those being reappointed and the CCNI Board every success in the important work that lies ahead.”

The appointments have been made in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.

Notes to editors: 

The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, established in 1985, under the terms of the General Consumer Council (Northern Ireland) Order 1984, is funded by the Department for the Economy.  The Council’s aim is to make the consumer voice heard and make it count.  It has a statutory remit to promote and safeguard the interests of consumers in Northern Ireland and has specific functions in relation to energy, water, transport, postal services and food.

Under the provisions of the Order, the Board of the Council shall consist of a Chairman, a Deputy Chairperson and no more than 16 members.  Current membership now stands at 9 (Chair, Deputy Chair and 7 members).  Fees are payable to the Chair of £23,395 per annum, to the Deputy Chair for CCNI Board meetings of £72.69 (per meeting under 4 hours) and £145.38 (per meeting over 4 hours) and for members of £54.46 (per meeting under 4 hours) and £108.91 (per meeting over 4 hours).

All appointments are made on merit, and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published. Mr McAteer has held office of a local branch and has spoken at Labour Party events in the House of Commons and has canvassed for Labour during General Elections, European Elections, and London Mayoral Elections; the remaining Members have confirmed no political activity.

• Pen pictures of the appointees .

For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office by email at: pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk.  Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.

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