Two lawyers are among five people who have been appointed as parole commissioners for Northern Ireland.

Solicitor Mark Finegan, who qualified in 1993, and barrister-at-law Martin O’Brien, who was called to the Bar in 1989, join Dr Linda Blud, Dawn Harris and Dr Andrea Higgins as commissioners.

They will make decisions on the release or otherwise of those serving extended or indeterminate sentences and in relation to the revocation of licences and recall to prison in cases where an offender is subject to post custody supervision.

Announcing the appointments, Justice Minister Claire Sugden said: “I welcome the appointment of the five new Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland. The new appointees will add to the collective wealth of knowledge and experience of the Commissioners.

“The Parole Commissioners provide a critical and important contribution to the protection of the public. I greatly appreciate the commitment, dedication and skill that they bring to an increasingly complex and demanding area of work.”