New Department of Education roles for Derry teacher and former East Derry MLA

A Derry school teacher and a former East Derry MLA are among eight new members appointed to the Department of Education’s Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs).

The appointments to Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG); Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA); and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools Diocesan Education Committees (DECs) were made in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.

Included are Derry teacher Stephen Keown and former East Derry SDLP MLA John Dallat.

Mr Keown is currently vice-principal of St Mary’s College.

He is a past committee member of Limavady Wolfhounds GAC, a past Society member of Limavady St Vincent de Paul Society and St Vincent de Paul Regional Youth Council.

He also serves as an Associate Assessor with the Education Training Inspectorate (ETI). He will bring to the DEC experience of education, promoting good governance, strategic planning and of working collaboratively and constructively with other stakeholders.

Mr Dallat (pictured) is currently Director of Kilrea Enterprise Group Ltd.

He will bring to the DEC extensive experience of promoting good governance and financial management through his roles as a former teacher, a local councillor and as an Assembly member, serving on various committees responsible for scrutinising spending by government departments.