The backlog in the Northern Ireland planning process has prompted the heads of the Executive to make new appointments to the Planning Appeals Commission.

First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness announced a number of appointments to the Planning and Water Appeals Commissions yesterday.

The appointments, which take effect during this month, are in line with the government's earlier commitment to enable the Planning Appeals Commission to address the current backlog of planning appeal cases.

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Alistair Beggs, Rosemary Daly and Mandy Jones have been appointed as Senior Commissioners to the Planning and Water Appeals Commissions.

The appointments are permanent and pensionable, attracting remuneration within the range £49,787-£57,797.

In addition, 14 new call-off Panel Commissioners have been appointed to the Planning Appeals Commission for a three year period.

These appointments are part-time non-pensionable positions which are remunerated on a fee per case basis, and are available to the Chief Commissioner to deploy in periods of peak workload.

All of the new appointees are members of a relevant professional body.

A spokesman for the First and deputy First Ministers' Office said: "All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

"None of the new appointees is engaged in any political activity."

(PR/JM)