An insider's guide to education.

What is going on up at the DIT? The college is fast becoming a by-word for industrial relations strife. A group of unlucky students were sent home last week and some lectures were cancelled as TUI activists clashed (again) with the college authorities.

DIT sought to resolve the current dispute last week by amending teaching hours. But there are deeper problems. The DIT's management blame the union for these. And - surprise, surprise - the unions blame management.

Would someone stand up and take some responsibility for the mess please? The students deserve better - especially after paying the new €670 registration fee.

Malcolm Skilbeck, the Australian education guru, continues to cast a long shadow in Irish education. Skilbeck's report on the Irish universities was widely praised last year. Despite this, TP hears that The Great Man received a somewhat cool reception from some Irish academics at a recent conference in Armagh. But some of the others were lavish in their praise.

Skilbeck, one of TP's heroes, is unlikely to be phased by the criticism. He was in Dublin last week, preparing to run the rule over the Institutes of Technology. TP can only guess what he made of the bleak industrial relations landscape at DIT. And, what will he say about the massive drop-out rates in some IT courses? Not for the first time, his report should make interesting reading.

What is going on up at the TUI? Gentleman Jim Dorney is continuing to rule the roost. But what about new president Derek Dunne? Dunne has a few hard acts to follow. Joe Carolan was a superb president, while John McGabhann was one of the most perceptive commentators on Irish education while in office. By contrast, Corkman Derek is maintaining a relatively low profile.

The Provost of Trinity, John Hegarty is one of the shining lights in the education darkness. His admission last week that TCD is bursting at the seems was a welcome dose of honesty. Hegarty is growing into the role and has shown a willingness to speak his mind. He is emerging as a figure of real substance.

It is now four years since the Freedom of Information Act was enacted. But no one seems to have told the Department of Education. While other departments and State agencies have been getting on with the job, this particular department has not been covering itself in glory with education hacks. Officials blame a lack of resources. They may be over-stretched, but the Department needs to sort out the problem.

Got any education gossip? You can e-mail us in confidence at teacherspet@irish-times.ie