Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced the appointment of Mrs Eileen Patterson as Deputy Chair of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland.

Announcing the appointment, Mrs Long said: 

"The work of PBNI is extremely important contributing to a range of justice priorities at many stages of the criminal justice system. PBNI undertake a vital role in supporting the organisation to continue its critical work of changing lives for safer communities.

"I am pleased to appoint Eileen as Deputy Chair of the Board and wish her well in supporting the Chair and Board in their important work."

Mrs Patterson, a serving member of the Board, took up her new post on 15 September 2022 until 28 February 2025.