Press release
Minister Foley announces appointment of new National Council for Curriculum and Assessment
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Education Norma Foley TD today announced the appointment of the new National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) for a four-year term until 28 February 2026.
The NCCA advises the Minister for Education on curriculum and assessment from early childhood to the end of second level education. It engages with learners, teachers, practitioners, parents and others to support innovation in schools and other educational settings. It undertakes, uses and shares research as a basis for advice and debate on education.
The process through which the NCCA generates its advice and proposals is collaborative, consultative and representative. It is required to consult with the partners in education, to engage in research, take account of international practice, and develop and review curricula, having regard to the promotion of high standards of quality, equity and inclusion, sound educational practice and relevance to national, social, cultural and economic objectives.
Minster Foley said:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of the new National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). The work of the NCCA is pivotal in the development, planning and reviewing of curriculum and assessment provision in schools.”
The Minister thanked the outgoing members of the NCCA for their dedication and work over the last 3 years.
Work is also underway to include a representative of the Irish Second Level Students’ Union (ISSU) on the Council and a further announcement on this will be made in due course.
| Nominating Body | Name |
| Minster for Education | Mary O’Sullivan, Interim Chair |
| Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) | *Joe McKeown, Vice Chairperson, |
| Joint Managerial Body (JMB) | *Michael Redmond, Vice Chairperson |
| Minster for Education (PAS process) | *Teresa Hagan |
| Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (PAS process) | *Sheila Garrity |
| State Examinations Commission (SEC) | *Elaine Sheridan |
| Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) | *Anne McHugh |
| Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) | *David Duffy |
| Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) | *Liz Farrell |
| Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) | Mairin Ni Chéileachair |
| Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) | *Carmel Browne |
| Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) | Deirdre McDonald |
| Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) | *Ed Byrne |
| Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) | *Brian Tubbert |
| JMB | *Patricia Gordon |
| National Parents’ Council (Post-primary) | Martina O’Shea |
| National Parents’ Council (Primary) | Clare Downey |
| National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education (NABMSE) | *Finn O’ Murchú |
| Ibec | Meadbh Costello – interim appointee |
| Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA) | Rory D’Arcy |
| Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) | Deirdre Ní Mhurchú |
| Department of Education | *Orlaith O’Connor |
| Foras na Gaeilge | *Edel Ní Chorráin |
| Church of Ireland Board of Education (CIBE) | *Joyce Perdue |
| Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools (ACCS) | Denis Ring |
ENDS
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA)
The Council comprises 25 members, with 17 re-appointments and 7 new members. The Chair, Professor Mary O’Sullivan will continue in the role of Interim Chairperson until a new Chair is appointed in the coming months.
The NCCA was established under the Education Act 1998 and the object of the Council shall be to advise the Minister on matters relating to –
(a) the curriculum for early childhood education, primary and post-primary schools, and
(b) the assessment procedures employed in schools and examinations on subjects which are part of the curriculum.
The Council also has two sub-committees – an Audit and Risk Committee and a Governance Committee. As part of NCCA structures there are three Boards that report to the Council on Early Childhood and Primary, Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle. These three Boards are chaired by the two Deputy Chairs and another Council member.
Functions of the Council:
The Council is responsible for directing the NCCA’s activities, providing strategic guidance to the executive team and monitoring the effectiveness of management.
Appointment of nominated members to State Boards
The Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards specify that there are certain specific exceptions to the arrangements laid down in the guidelines relating to the appointment of persons to State Boards, including:
“Where an agreement or arrangement is in place under which Ministers seek nominations for appointment to State Boards from key stakeholder organisations (such as trade unions, employer organisations, farming representatives or voluntary bodies)”.
The NCCA currently has a full time executive staff of 47 led by the Chief Executive.
In 2022, the NCCA is grant-funded by the Department in the amount of circa. €6m.
The website of the NCCA is available at www.ncca.ie