The Council is a representative structure, the membership of which is determined by the Minister for Education and Skills. The 25 members are appointed by the Minister and come from organisations representing teachers, school managers, parents, employers, trade unions, early childhood education, Irish language interests and third-level education. Other members include representatives of the Department of Education and Skills, the State Examinations Commission and a nominee of the Minister. The membership of the current Council, which was appointed for a three-year term to 31 March 2012, is as follows:
Prof. Tom Collins, Chairperson
Ms. Catherine Byrne, Deputy Chairperson, Irish National Teachers’ Organisation
Dr. Eilis Humphreys, Deputy Chairperson, Joint Managerial Body
Máire Áine Uí Aodha, Uasal, Ministerial Nominee
Mr. Donal Cooper, National Parents Council Primary
Deirbhile Nic Craith, Uasal, Irish National Teachers' Organisation
Mr. Michael Delargey, Irish Federation of University Teachers
Mr. Aidan Farrell, State Examinations Commission
Dr. Nóirín Hayes, Nominee of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs
Ms. Bernie Judge, Teachers’ Union of Ireland
Mr. Declan Kelleher, Irish National Teachers’ Organisation
Ms. Moira Leydon, Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland
Ms. Rose Malone, Irish Congress of Trade Unions
Ms. Hilary Mc Bain, Church of Ireland Board of Education
Mr. Stephen McCarthy, Irish Vocational Education Association
Ms. Patricia McCrossan, National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education
Mr. Jim Moore, National Parents Council Post-Primary
Mr. Joe Moran, Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland
Mr. Éamonn Murtagh, Department of Education and Skills
Seán Ó Coinn, Uasal, Foras na Gaeilge
Mr. Tim O’Meara, Teachers’ Union of Ireland
Sr. Betty O’Riordan, Catholic Primary Schools Managers’ Association
Mr. Michael Redmond, Joint Managerial Body
Ms. Eileen Salmon, Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools
Mr. Frank Turpin, Irish Business and Employers Confederation