Maurice Hayes Appointed Chairman Of Irish Language Broadcast Fund

Northern Ireland Screen has announced the appointment of Maurice Hayes to the Board of the Commission and as Chairman of the Irish Language Broadcast Fund (ILBF) Sub-Committee.
Born in County Down, Hayes read English at Queen’s University and taught for seven years at St. Patrick’s Grammar in Downpatrick before pursuing a career in the Northern Ireland Civil Service. Respected as an even-handed observer in the mire of Northern Ireland politics, Hayes wrote or contributed to major policy reports, including, as a member of the Patton Commission on Policing in Northern Ireland, the reform of the RUC.
Hayes is a former Northern Ireland Ombudsman and Boundary Commissioner and was Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services (NI) as well as former Chairman of the Community Relations Council (NI).
Appointed by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Hayes was a member of the 21st and 22nd Seanad Éireann.
He is a member of the Royal Irish Academy, Chairman of the National Forum on Europe and a Board Director of Independent News & Media and of Regtel.
As an author, Hayes produced three books of memoirs: Sweet Killough: Let Go Your Anchor; Black Puddings with Slim: A Downpatrick Boyhood; and Minority Verdict: Experiences Of A Catholic Civil Servant. He has also written and edited various works on conflict research, community relations and Irish writing.
Hayes’s latest public appointment to the Board of Northern Ireland Screen and Chairman of its ILBF Sub-Committee is universally welcomed.
Acting Chairman Rick Hill said: “This is great news for the Commission. Maurice’s wealth of experience in public life and diverse skills will be invaluable; his appointment will certainly enrich our efficacy, particularly as we face the challenges of securing funding for the Irish Language Broadcast Fund beyond 2009.”
Maurice Hayes commented: "I am delighted to be associated with the vibrant screen industry in Northern Ireland and in particular with production in the Irish language which, apart from its own quality and integral value, is an important contribution to diversity in a multi-cultural society."
(DS)