The South Belfast MLA has said: "I am pleased that all three appointments to the offices established under legislation, which is already three years old, have now been made. As Chair of the Executive Office Committee, I look forward to hearing from Dr Radford once she has had time to start work in the post.

"These appointments are long overdue, and it is now essential that all three appointees, including Pól Deeds and Lee Reynolds, are able to get up and running as quickly as possible.

"We also welcome that five further members of the Board of the Office of Identity and Cultural Expression have also been announced. It must now be allowed to move forward with a work programme.

"Alliance stands ready to help facilitate the promotion of cultural expression within all the diverse communities that exist in Northern Ireland. We hope and trust these appointments will assist in the fostering of understanding and mutual respect, as well as in the delivery of further reconciliation in our society."