STATEMENT FROM THE SPEAKER, MR WILLIAM HAY MLA

I have been informed by the First Minister and deputy First Minister that they have appointed Mr Robin Newton MLA as junior Minister in the Office of First and deputy First Minister to replace Mr Jeffrey Donaldson MP MLA.

Mr Newton has accepted the appointment and has taken and signed the Pledge of Office witnessed by myself as Speaker and Mr Trevor Reaney, Clerk/Director General to the Northern Ireland Assembly. The appointment takes effect from Wednesday 1 July 2009.

ENDS

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