Omagh
This meeting is to be held at Omagh Leisure Centre on the 16th April 2003.
Mike Smyth
Senior Lecturer, School of Economics and Politics, University of Ulster.
Academic economist 20 years experience.
Published widely in economic journals research specialising in:
- Regional economics
- Energy Economics
- Local economic development
Member of the Editorial Board First Trust Bank “ Business Outlook and Editorial Review.
Member of CBI (Confederation of British Industry) Economic affairs committee.
Member of IOD (Institute of Directors) Economic Strategy Committee.
Council Member, Irish Economics Association.
Special Advisor to Scottish Parliament Economic and Life Long Learning Committee.
Andrea Cook OBE
Andrea Cook OBE has had a distinguished career in the public, private and voluntary sectors in both an executive and non-executive capacity. This has encompassed policy responsibility in employment, energy, and water and incorporated an extensive knowledge of regulatory issues and consumer affairs.
As Director of NEA, the national energy efficiency charity, she increased financial support from Government from £15 million to £250 million per annum to improve comfort and warmth for those who are poor and vulnerable, resulting in the insulation of 4 million homes. She has also, therefore, significant operational experience.
She is knowledgeable in matters of corporate governance. From 1995-1999 she was a member of the Government’s UK Round Table on Sustainable Development and chaired its study of Economic Regulation which covered energy, transport and water. She is committed to the integration of economic, environmental and social objectives.
Ms Cook is currently Chairman of WaterVoice Northumbria, the statutory Ofwat Customer Service Committee for Northumbria, and a member of its’ National Council, which is preparing for the establishment of a Consumer Council for Water.
Professor Eithne McLaughlin BA,M.PHIL,PhD,AcSS, FRSA
A native of Omagh, E McLaughlin was appointed to a newly established Chair in Social Policy at Queen’s University Belfast 1995. She had previously held posts at Queen’s and at the University of York. Her current research is on poverty, equality and disadvantage. The Northern Ireland Poverty and Social Exclusion Survey (2002-2003): the Republic of Ireland’s Living in Ireland Surveys and recent similar work in New Zealand to provide data on the prevalence and effects of poverty North/South and East/West in the British Isles and within Northern Ireland between the various social groups identified under legislation. The first results of the Survey should be available early in 2003.
Professor McLaughlin is the author to date of 60 books, reports and academic papers dealing with various aspects of social economics and social policy.
Professor McLaughlin has participated in four major policy reviews
- The Commission on Social Justice UK (1992-1994)
- The Employment Equality Review (119-1996)
- The Northern Ireland Human Organs Inquiry (2001-2002)
- The Post Primary Education Review (2001)
She has also been the Northern Ireland Member of the UK Social Security Advisory Committee since 1994.
David Thomson - Department of Finance and Personnel
David is Treasury Officer of Accounts in the Department of Finance and Personnel. He is directly accountable for promoting and overseeing the systems which underpin value for money and Assembly/Parliamentary accountability and is responsible to PAC for the discharge of DFP Supply/Value for Money responsibilities in respect of all departmental expenditure.
David is a chartered accountant, who has previously worked in the Industrial Development Board, the then Department of Economic Development and the Department of the Environment.
John Kelly - Water Service
John Kelly is Acting Chief Executive of Water Service and is a Chartered Civil Engineer by profession. He has had over 35 years experience in the Water Industry in Northern Ireland, both prior to the reorganisation of local government, and in the 30 years since. His experience has ranged across design, construction and operations management. During his recent 11 years as Director of Operations he fostered a more customer orientated delivery of service, including the creation of customer service units in 4 Water Service geographical Divisions.
David Sterling - Department for Regional Development
David is a Deputy Secretary in the Department for Regional Development and is responsible for the Department's resources and management services. Before taking up his current post in January this year, David was Head of Central Expenditure Division in the Department of Finance and Personnel where he was responsible for co-ordinating public expenditure planning for the 11 Northern Ireland Departments. A career civil servant, David has previously worked in the Northern Ireland Office and the Police Authority for Northern Ireland.
