Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
324. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide, in tabular form, all appointments made to the National Council for Special Education consultative forum since March 2011; the tenure of each appointment; the rationale for the appointment of each person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34366/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that under Section 22 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is required to appoint a Consultative Forum to consult on matters relating to the performance of its functions.
The Act requires that the NCSE consults with the Minister, parents associations, voluntary bodies, recognised trade unions, staff associations, the National Disability Authority (NDA), the Psychological Society of Ireland and other persons having a special interest in or knowledge relating to the education of children with disabilities. The NCSE is required to have regard to the desirability of having members of the Forum who themselves having special educational needs, their parents and representatives. I have requested the NCSE to provide the Deputy with details of the appointments made to the Forum since March 2011.
