Meet The Faces Behind Ireland’s Curriculum Developments

We often receive questions about the composition and the nature of the work undertaken by the NCCA Council. In this issue of the newsletter, we thought it might be helpful to share some insights about the Council and its activities. If you’re interested in learning more, read on!

The NCCA Council comprises twenty-six members, including a chairperson and two deputy chairpersons. The members include nominees of teacher unions, school management bodies, students, parents, business, other organisations in education, and a nominee of the Minister for Education and Youth and one of the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality (see Council 2022-2026 | NCCA). The NCCA is a statutory body and the Minister for Education and Youth appoints the Council and its chairperson. The Council meets at least seven times a year, and at other times as required. Reflecting the responsibilities in the Education Act 1998 (Part VII), the Council sets out its work priorities in a four-year strategic plan.

Taking a closer look at the Council, the chairperson is Mr Seán Ó Foghlú who was appointed in December 2022. Seán is a Senior Fellow in Public Policy in the Social Sciences Institute in Maynooth University. This involves him supporting research, teaching and civic engagement relating to public policy development and implementation. Seán brings 30 years of experience in Irish civil and public service to the role of chairperson, including ten years as Secretary General and four as Assistant Secretary in the Department of Education as well as seven years as chief executive of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland. Seán is a keen sports and music follower and enjoys trips to Páirc Esler and Elland Road whenever he can, and to as many Americana and trad concerts as possible. 
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Dr Aidan Raftery

After graduating with a B Ed degree from Mary Immaculate College in 2009, I began my teaching career in Duleek Boys National School in Co. Meath. In 2017, I was appointed to the role of principal of the same school. Since then I have been involved in research and professional learning, graduating with a Postgrad Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education followed by a Masters in Special Educational Needs. I have also worked part-time as a tutor on the Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education in DCU. I recently completed doctoral research about Communities of Practice (CoP) in supporting school leaders to enact Inclusive School Leadership (ISL).

I joined the NCCA in September 2024 as an Education Officer where I have a cross sectoral role, focusing on inclusion and special education. I am thoroughly enjoying being involved in curriculum development, collaborating with the various stakeholders, visiting schools and working with an exceptional team. Taking inspiration from Mel Ainscow’s motto of  ‘all learners matter and matter equally’ I hope to use my passion for inclusive and special education to further support curriculum development across all sectors.

Aside from my passion for all things education, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three boys and a bit of coaching with my son’s Gaelic football team.