Irish Language Figure Is North's Policing Board Deputy

The Northern Policing Board has elected a new Chairman, Brian Rea, while the Vice Chair position is being filled by an Irish language figure, Gearóid Ó hEára.

Mr O hEara is currently the Chief Executive of An Gaelaras - an Irish language and cultural organisation that provides classes and courses to the public in Derry and throughout the North-West.

He has been actively involved in community politics for over 30 years.

Mr Rea, who was already acting Board Chairman, has worked for 35 years for Castlereagh College of Further and Higher Education.

Speaking about the appointment, Brian Rea said: "Policing has a central role to play in our society and in doing this job I will be acting in the best interests of the community at all times.

"I believe that the Board and all of its members have a very important role to deliver in providing effective independent scrutiny and oversight of policing in Northern Ireland.

"In leading the Board forward it is my intention to ensure that the public have a voice and are engaged on policing matters.

"The most important issue for us is ensuring that the public get a consistent and courteous service; and that the commitments given to policing with the community are fully delivered on," he commented, this morning.

He also addressed contentious issues and said: "It is no secret that there have been some criticisms of the Board's role in recent months.

"In leading the Board over the next term, I expect my colleagues to work hard to ensure that the public can have confidence that the statutory accountability responsibilities of this organisation are met on all fronts; and that value for money is delivered in our work and that of policing.

"There is no doubt that we will have some challenging issues to deal with but this new Board brings new energy and new opportunities; and I look forward to working with my colleagues and PSNI to ensure that we do our best for the public."

Taking up the role as Vice Chair, Gearóid Ó hEára affirmed his commitment to overseeing the delivery of accountable policing to the community: He said: "I am delighted to have been elected to this role. Over the next term there is a substantial amount of business to deal with and I look forward to setting a programme of work with the new Chair and Members."

Under the Policing Board's Standing Orders, Brian Rea and Gearóid Ó hEára have been elected for a two-year term.

The election, attended by PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott and Justice Minister David Ford, took place at the Policing Board's headquarters at Waterside Tower in Belfast on Wednesday.

Domestic

Meanwhile, the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford has commenced changes to the law on murder to provide enhanced defences in domestic violence cases.

The changes are contained in the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, which come into effect in Northern Ireland today (June 1) and are intended to help deliver fairer treatment for victims of domestic violence.

David Ford said: "The unlawful taking of the life of another human being is the most serious issue which our criminal courts have to deal with.

"These changes update the law, including where murder is linked to domestic abuse, and will help to provide a more just and equitable outcome in individual cases."

(BMcC)