Robinson Carries Out First Cabinet Reshuffle

Democratic Unionist Party Leader Peter Robinson has reshuffled the DUP's Assembly Committee Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen.

As a result of the reshuffle, there will be changes to the membership of the various Committees in the near future.

Mr Robinson also made a new DUP appointment to the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Speaking at Stormont the DUP Leader said: "As the largest party in the Assembly with 36 MLAs I have the luxury of having a wealth of talent within our Assembly Group.

"Over the course of the Assembly term I intend to make full use of the talents within our Group.

"Today I have requested that the Speaker make the following changes:

Upper Bann representative David Simpson will replace Gregory Campbell as Chairman of the Social Development Committee.

North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey will replace Sammy Wilson as Chairman of the Education Committee.

East Belfast MLA Robin Newton will replace Jimmy Spratt as Vice-Chairman of the Employment & Learning Committee.

Strangford MLA Simon Hamilton will replace Mervyn Storey as Vice-Chairman of the Finance and Personnel Committee.

All other Committee posts are unchanged.

"I want to congratulate those who are taking up new positions and thank those who are stepping down from the respective Committees.

"The outgoing Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen have played a vital role in advancing the DUP's agenda at Stormont and delivering for the people of Northern Ireland.

"Departmental Committee Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen have responsibly for leading their various committees in scrutinising the work of their Ministers.

"Such roles are a vital component in ensuring that the work of government is democratically accountable."