Minister Carál Ní Chuilín is seeking to appoint new Members to the Management Committee of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. There are currently up to four positions available.

Launching the competition, the Minister said: "A position on the Management Committee of the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is an interesting and challenging role. The position will include carrying out front line scientific research in astronomy and related sciences in the pursuit of a high profile programme of education and outreach.

"The Observatory and Planetarium is a valued tourist attraction for the north of Ireland and it also provides an educational resource to help tackle disadvantage in our communities by improving the participation of young people in education, employment and training."

Minister Ní Chuilín is encouraging women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities to apply. She said: "Females are currently under-represented on the Board and I would therefore particularly welcome applications from women. I would also encourage members of ethnic minority groups and people with a disability to apply for these positions so that we can have a board which is representative of our diverse society."

(CD/JP)