NCSE Consultative Forum

The Consultative Forum, appointed under section 22 of the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004, is a forum that the NCSE engages with on special education matters. The Council appoints up to 17 members following a prescribed consultation process. In addition, three members are appointed by the Minister for Education.

An appointment process was undertaken in spring 2023 for a term of office to December 2026. The following members were appointed to the Consultative Forum in May 2023.

Members appointed by the Council of the NCSE
Marina Cusack Special Educational Needs Coordinator in a Post-Primary School
Anna Ní Chartúir Special Educational Needs Coordinator, Gaeltacht Primary School
Paddy Greally Retired Children’s Services Manager, Brothers of Charity
Miriam Colum Lecturer in Special Educational Needs, Marino Institute of Education
Patricia McCarthy Inclusion in Education and Society Research Team, Trinity College Dublin
Dr. Joe Travers Associate Professor in the School of Inclusive and Special Education Dublin City University
Miriam Jennings Special Needs Schools and Classes
Catherine Moynihan Research and Development Officer, Joint Managerial Body (JMB)
Dr. Finn Ó Murchú Head of School of Education (Post-primary), Mary Immaculate College (MIC) Thurles
Brian O’Doherty President, Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN)
Sheila Murphy Acting Assistant General Secretary, Irish National Teacher’s Organisation (INTO)
Derval McDonagh Chief Executive Officer, Inclusion Ireland
Gerry Maley National Disability Specialist, HSE
Matt Melvin Director, Catholic Primary Schools Management Association, CPSMA
Darren Murphy Team Leader, Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST)
Maureen Smith Team Manager, NCSE
Members appointed by the Minister for Education
Andrina Donovan Assistant Principal Officer, Department of Education
Pauline Kerins Senior Psychologist, National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)
Lisa White Senior Inspector, Inspectorate, Department of Education