Mrs Keenan will work 8-12 days per month on Parole Board duties and will be remnunerated at a rate of £284 per day.
The Parole Board is part of Scotland's criminal justice system with a number of statutory functions. It decides on the suitability for early release on licence of long term offenders (those sentenced to imprisonment for four years or more) to serve the remaining part of their sentence in the community - subject to certain statutory requirements.
Certain young people sentenced on indictment and placed in secure accommodation are also eligible to be considered for parole. The Board also has the power to direct the release of life prisoners who have served the punishment part of their sentence if it is satisfied that the prisoner no longer requires to be confined for the protection of the public .
This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.
Mrs Keenan declared that she has not been involved in any political activity within the last five years. She is a voluntary member of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner and St Ninian's Primary School Board.