David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 626: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his plans to appoint parents of children with special needs to the National Council for Special Education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3813/10]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was established under the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities with particular emphasis on children. Section 21 of the EPSEN Act sets out the process required to be followed before making appointments to the NCSE Council. Before making appointments, I engaged in a consultative process with a broad range of bodies.

In December 2009, after following the aforementioned process required under the Act, I appointed 11 of the 13 NCSE Council members for the 2010-2012 term of office. Each of the appointees has a special interest in, or knowledge relating to, the education of children with special educational needs. The two remaining members will be appointed from nominees of the National Disability Authority.