12 December 2003

APPOINTMENT OF ALAN SHANNON AS PERMANENT SECRETARY AT THE DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Alan Shannon has taken up the position of Permanent Secretary at the Department for Social Development. He replaces John Hunter who has moved to a similar position at the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Mr Shannon was educated at Belfast Royal Academy and Queen’s University Belfast, graduating with an Honours Degree in Modern History in 1971. He joined the Northern Ireland Civil Service as an Assistant Principal in the same year and was initially appointed to the Ministry of Agriculture where he worked on subjects including European Community accession, horse racing, livestock improvement and marketing, forestry and personnel.

In 1982 he moved to Luxembourg as First Attaché to the British Member at the European Court of Auditors. On return to Northern Ireland in 1985, he carried out an efficiency scrutiny in the Health Service and moved to the Northern Ireland Office in 1986.

When the Northern Ireland Assembly was established in 1999, Mr Shannon became the Permanent Secretary at the Department for Employment and Learning.

Alan Shannon is married with three children. His hobbies include historical studies, travel and tennis.

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