The DUP has appointed Lord Weir to the EA Board after Mervyn Storey became chairperson
Belfast: Lord Weir is stepping in for Mervyn Storey on the EA Board. Storey became chairperson on January 1 this year. This change follows Storey’s successful application for the role.
The EA Board has seven political representatives. Political parties share these seats. The DUP can nominate a replacement for Storey.
Political members are not appointed by ministers. They are nominated by their parties, following the Education Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.
Lord Weir is a former member of the Northern Ireland Assembly. He was Education Minister from January 2020 to June 2021, before Michelle McIlveen took over.
Weir has been active in politics for the DUP over the past five years. He is also a member of the House of Lords and receives an attendance allowance.
The EA Board has a chairperson and 20 members. These members represent various interests, including schools and political parties.
There are 12 members for different types of schools and eight political members. Current political members include representatives from Alliance, Sinn Fein, and UUP.
Since Weir became Education Minister, the DUP has kept this position in the NI Executive. There was some criticism over Storey’s appointment as chairperson.
Sinn Fein’s Pat Sheehan raised concerns about Storey’s past roles. However, Storey’s position as chairperson remains unchanged with Weir’s appointment.
