Paul Donnelly
Question:427. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education when she will fill the post of chairperson of the National Council for Special Education; and the length of time this post has been vacant. [35800/23]
View answerTuesday, 25 July 2023
Questions (427)
Written answers
Dear Deputy,
The term of office of the 2019-2022 National Council for Special Education (NCSE) expired on the 31 December 2022. Recruitment for the 2023-2026 council is carried out in accordance with the EPSEN Act 2004 and the Guidelines for Appointment to State Boards 2014.
The vacancy for Chairperson of the Council of the National Council for Special Education was advertised on the 30th September 2022. Following this recruitment campaign, conducted by Stateboards, the candidates did not met the criteria required for the Chairperson role.
All other council positions are filled for the 2023-2026 council, with the exception of the role of the Chair. In accordance with the provisions stipulated in the Epsen Act 2004, the role of the chair for council meetings, is currently filled either by the deputy chairperson, or other member of the council deputising for the Chair.
I am cognisant of the requirement for strong and innovative leadership during the term of the 2023 2026 Council. Consequently, the position was re-advertised by Stateboards, in June 2023 and the campaign has now closed. Applications for the role have been received and currently Stateboards is actively engaging in the assessment process.