Panel to review NI administration

The future of NI's administration will rest with the assembly

A six-strong panel of experts has been appointed to advise ministers in Northern Ireland on how the province should be administered.

I want to hear the arguments right across the public service to look at what the optimum design is

Tom Frawley Assembly ombudsman

As part of the forthcoming review of public administration, the independent panel, headed by the Assembly Ombudsman Tom Frawley, will make recommendations to the Stormont Executive.

The questions facing the new panel include how many of the 26 district councils the province really needs.

It will also consider the future number of health and education boards in Northern Ireland.

The panel includes James B King, an American who worked in the Clinton administration.

Tom Frawley admitted that in making Northern Ireland run more efficiently, jobs could be lost.

Tom Frawley leading expert panel

"I can't give any guarantees, I come to the task with an open mind," he said.

"I want to hear the arguments right across the public service, not just the health service where I have some experience, but across to look at what the optimum design is."

Whatever recommendations the panel makes, ministers will have the final say.

It is likely to be the end of next year at the earliest before any decisions are taken.