Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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253. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision will be made on an application by a person (details supplied) for a seat on the board of the National Council for Special Education. [20718/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The term of office of the National Council for Special Education expired on 31 December 2015.

Council members are appointed under Section 21 of the EPSEN Act, 2004, which provides that the Council will consist of a Chairperson and 12 ordinary members. The Act also prescribes the means by which 7 of the 12 ordinary member appointments should be made.

Section 21 of the Act provides that 7 members of the Council are appointed by the Minister following consultations with relevant stakeholders and the receipt of nominations; 1 member nominated by the Department of Health, 2 members nominated by the National Disability Authority and if the Minister considers it appropriate to do so, to appoint 4 members from relevant stakeholders such as Recognised School Management Organisations, Recognised Trade Unions and Staff Associations representing teachers and National Associations of Parents.

The current process also involved a selection process under the Public Appointments Service (PAS), which was completed in January last.

The outgoing Chairperson, Mr Eamon Stack, was re-appointed on 8th January, having served one term previously.

I am currently considering nominations and I will announce the appointment of the new NCSE Council shortly.