McGrath selected as chairman for Assembly committee

McGrath selected as chairman for Assembly committee

22 January 2020

SOUTH Down MLA Colin McGrath has been has been appointed chairman of the influential Executive Office Committee at the Assembly.

The committee scrutinises the work of the First and Deputy Fist Ministers, their junior ministers and the work of the Executive Department.

Mr McGrath said he is pleased to have been appointed to what he described as an “important position” by the SDLP leadership.

He said the Stormont committee has the important task of holding the First and Deputy First Minister and their department to account.

“The work of the Executive department is not as obvious as education or health, but does impact on many different elements of daily life,” Mr McGrath explained.

“The department has responsibility for social change and the funding for it, EU/Brexit preparedness, strategic investment and regeneration and promoting Northern Ireland abroad.”

The Assemblyman also explained that many elements of the work of the department impacts upon others and the civil servant who report to the committee is the head of the Civil Service.

Mr McGrath continued: “I look forward to my tenure as chairman of this committee and to holding the relevant officials and minsters to account to ensure that this is a truly transformational Assembly and one that works in people’s best interests.

We have been too long without government and the strategic direction and Executive and Assembly provides and that deficit must now be addressed.”

Mr McGrath also pledged to continue working tirelessly for the people of South Down and wider area to deliver for them and communities.