Secretary of State announces appointment of new Commissioner for The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains

Rosalie has over two decades of experience of working at the heart of devolved government in Northern Ireland, including notable roles as Permanent Secretary at the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and as Director of Executive Services in the Office of First Minister and deputy First Minister. Since her retirement in 2013 she has remained active in public life, including through her work as a Member of Independent Review Panel for the Assessment of Paramilitary Activity.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, said: “We are delighted that Rosalie Flanagan has accepted the post of Commissioner for the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims Remains. Rosalie brings a wealth of experience to this vital role.”

The Commission has had great success in locating the remains of eleven of the Disappeared and continue in their efforts to locate the remains of three individuals: Robert Nairac, Columba McVeigh and Joseph Lynskey. The Commission remains committed to doing everything that can reasonably be done to bring an end to their loved ones harrowing ordeal.

Notes to Editors

Background

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains was established by an intergovernmental agreement between the British and Irish Governments, signed on 27 April 1999, and by legislation enacted in the two jurisdictions. The Department of Justice, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Office, provides financial support for the Commission. The Commission is responsible for facilitating the location of the remains of victims of paramilitary violence who were murdered and secretly buried arising from the conflict in Northern Ireland.

The Commission has in place a confidential free-phone number and post office box address through which information can be passed to it. Any such information will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not be used for any purpose other than locating the remains of victims. Further information about the Commission and its activities and about the Disappeared is available at www.iclvr.ie

Terms of appointment

Length of appointment: Starting 13 January 2021; to be reviewed in January 2024

Remuneration: £650 per day

Pension: The position is not pensionable

Time requirements: Approximately 12 days annually

In accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity in defined categories within the last five years to be made public. Mrs Flanagan has not been engaged in any political activity in the last five years.

This appointment is not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.