Northern Ireland Office

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain, today announced the appointment of Barney McNeany as Commissioner for Children and Young People for Northern Ireland on an interim basis.

Commenting on the appointment, Peter Hain said: “Following the recent tragic death of Nigel Williams, Northern Ireland’s first Commissioner for Children and Young People, I am keen to ensure that the rights and best interests of children and young people here continue to be effectively safeguarded.

“To this end, I have appointed Barney McNeany, Chief Executive of the Commissioner’s Office, as Commissioner for Children and Young People for Northern Ireland on an interim and temporary basis. Mr. McNeany has agreed to carry on the excellent work started by Nigel Williams until his replacement is appointed through the public appointments process.”

Nigel Williams’ replacement is expected to be in post by Autumn 2006.

Notes to Editors

1. Nigel Williams, Northern Ireland’s first Commissioner for Children and Young People, died on 28 March 2006.
2. Work on the process to find his replacement has commenced and will be broadly similar to that followed for the first appointment. Young People will be involved in the appointment process. The new Commissioner is expected to take up post by Autumn 2006.