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Information regarding the Deputy Secretaries

John McGrath - Deputy Secretary

John McGrath joined the Northern Ireland Civil Service in 1977.  He worked initially in the Department of Health and Social Services with postings also as Private Secretary to the Head of the Civil Service and to the NIO in London.  From 1982 he worked in a range of posts in DHSS with a focus on planning and performance management.  He oversaw a range of strategic capital development including the redevelopment of the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Regional Cancer Centre.  In January 2003 he joined DSD as Deputy Secretary in charge of Urban Regeneration and Community Development.  In that capacity he has had responsibility for the Government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, the physical regeneration of city and town centres;  community development; relations with the voluntary and community sector plus a range of social legislation including charities and liquor licensing.   In February 2008 he succeeded Eddie Rooney as Deputy Secretary (Resources & Accountability) in DE.

Resources and Accountability

The groups areas of responsibility include:

  • Resource allocation to the education sector
  • Development of the education infrastructure
  • Corporate Services
  • Finance and Strategic Planning
  • Review of Public Administration