The former principal of an Oranmore school has been appointed as deputy chairperson of the State Examinations Commission.

Joe Harrison was principal at Calasanctius College in Oranmore between November 2006 and June 2010, and has since worked as a Post-Primary inspector with the Department of Education.

The Loughrea native, who currently lives in Clare, will hold the role of deputy chairperson for three years, until April 3rd 2015.

The State Exams Commission is responsible for the operation of the Junior and Leaving Cert exams, and the appointments were announced by the Minister for Education this morning.