Press release
Minister Madigan appoints Fergal Lynch as chair of the National Council for Special Education
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Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan has today announced the appointment of Fergal Lynch as the new Chairperson Designate of the Board of Chomhairle Náisiúnta um Oideachas Speisialta (National Council for Special Education, NCSE).
Commenting on the appointment, Minister Madigan noted the substantial leadership experience Mr Lynch will bring to the role. The Minister also thanked and acknowledged the significant contribution of the outgoing board members including former Chairperson, Joe Hayes, whose term of office expired late last year.
Minister Madigan said:
"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Fergal Lynch as Chairperson of the NCSE and wish him the very best in the role. I have no doubt that Fergal will make a valuable contribution in leading the NCSE through its expansion as it continues to respond effectively and compassionately to the increased need in our education system, so that children with special educational needs and their families are fully supported to achieve the best possible outcomes. Each of the board members have distinguished track records arising from their respective careers and have the essential skills necessary to deliver on the NCSE policies and key functions.”
Minister Madigan also extended her thanks to the Public Appointments Service for its role in delivering the open, competitive processes which continues to provide high calibre appointees to State boards.
Mr Lynch’s appointment is for a period of three years.
| Name | Gender | Council Role | Nominating Body | Actions | Appointment Date | Re-Appointed | Expiry Date per State Boards.ie |
| Fergal Lynch | M | Chairperson | N/A | Stateboards Recruitment | 22/08/2023 | 31/12/2026 | |
| Peter Archer | M | Board Member | N/A | Re-nomination | 19/02/2019 | 01/01/2023 | 31/12/2026 |
| Pat Goff | M | Board Member | N/A | Re-nomination | 19/02/2019 | 01/01/2023 | 31/12/2026 |
| Deirbhile Nic Craith | F | Board Member | INTO | Re-nomination | 19/02/2019 | 01/01/2023 | 31/12/2026 |
| Dharragh Hunt | M | Board Member | National Disability Authority | Re-nomination | 19/02/2019 | 01/01/2023 | 31/12/2026 |
| Eileen Daly | F | Board Member | National Disability Authority | Re-nomination | 19/02/2019 | 01/01/2023 | 31/12/2026 |
| Angela O’Neill | F | Board Member | Dept of Health | Re-nomination | 31/08/2021 | 01/01/2023 | 31/12/2026 |
| Caroline Quinn | F | Board Member | Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) | Sec 21(3) Consultation | 01/01/2023 | 31/12/2026 | |
| Catherine Cross | F | Board Member | National Parents Council (primary) | Sec 21(3) Consultation | 01/01/2023 | 31/12/2026 | |
| Dr Michael Redmond | M | Board Member | JMB | Sec 21(3) Consultation | 01/01/2023 | 31/12/2026 | |
| Secretariat of Secondary schools | |||||||
| Diarmuid Dullaghan | M | Board Member | Dept of Education Official | New Ministerial Appointee | 20/04/2023 | 31/12/2026 | |
| Dr Yvonne Kennedy | F | Board Member | Dept of Education Official | New Ministerial Appointee | 20/04/2023 | 31/12/2026 | |
| Eamon Clavin | M | Board Member | N/A | Stateboards Recruitment | 20/04/2023 | 31/12/2026 |
The National Council for Special Education 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.
The NCSE provides advice and information on special education to schools and parents; allocates and provides direct supports and guidance to schools; provides teacher professional learning to teachers; undertakes and disseminates research into special education; and provides policy advice to the Minister for Education on issues relating to special education. The NCSE also has advisory roles in relation to the provision of specialist equipment/assistive technology for students and special school transport arrangements. The general functions of the Council are set out in Section 20 of the EPSEN Act.
The NCSE currently comprises 260 staff members headed by a Chief Executive Officer, and has a current annual budget in the order of €23 million. The CEO is responsible for the leadership, management and control of NCSE functions as well as advising the Council generally and extensive change and expansion is planned for of the organisation is planned over the coming years.
The NCSE will be supported with an additional €13 million in annual funding which will be directed at expanding the services and supports currently provided. This will secure and an increase of over 50% in staffing levels in the NCSE, with the focus on frontline staff, which will ensure that the NCSE is equipped to deliver real and meaningful supports for children, families and schools.
The term of office including the chairperson of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) expired on 31 December 2022. The 2023 to 2026, 13 member Council must be filled in accordance with the EPSEN Act and in accordance with the guidelines for the Appointment to State Boards 2014, which involves an appointment process under the Public Appointments Service (PAS).
All of the ordinary member positions have now been filled, in accordance with the legislative requirements.
Mr Lynch has worked in the civil and public service for over 40 years, including over 20 years in senior management roles, most recently as Secretary General in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Mr Lynch also recently held the position of Chair of the Board of the Institute of Public Administration from 2019 to 2022, having served as an ordinary member from 2016.