An insider's guide to education
• Ignore all this stuff about Noel Dempsey being shuffled out of the Cabinet. Only two things will happen in the reshuffle - Dempsey will either remain in Marlborough St or he will be moved up the pecking order.
The view among the mandarins in Education is that Dempsey will move on. They think his replacement will be Mary Hanafin, Mary Harney or John O'Donoghue. But they would also like to see Dempsey given the opportunity to work through his agenda.
Harney sounded like an education minister-in- waiting on the Eamon Dunphy radio show on Newstalk last week. She spoke at length about her ambition to take on a challenging post where she can push a reform agenda.
A recast Department that takes a leading role in the key area of scientific research could be ideal.
• Near panic in newsrooms across the State recently when the CAO second-round figures - of such importance to students - were released only hours before the deadline. To make matters worse, the CAO initially gave the media incorrect information about a number of courses. An amendment was later sent by e-mail. Just as well the media picked it up.
• Of all the bars in all the world. . . Remember former ASTI boss Charlie Lennon? He now works for Educational International (EI), an international teachers' group.
When EI held their conference in Brazil this summer, Lennon found himself welcoming some old foes, including former ASTI president Pat Cahill. The INTO and TUI top brass also made it to Brazil.
We are told that old wars were put to one side as the Irish delegation enjoyed some Brazil nuts and pina coladas. And why not?
• Even a cynical soul cannot help but be impressed by the OECD, the Paris-based group responsible for the major review of third level here.
The head of the review team, Abrar Hasan, is an impressive and courteous figure. Everyone who met the OECD team during their visit here earlier this year appears to have been impressed.
The OECD also understands the role of the media. It is very good at explaining itself and its policies. Department of Education please copy.
The Department's press officer, Grace Cappock, does a terrific job on a daily basis. But how come so few senior figures make themselves available to explain policy?
• That report showing massive absenteeism in schools, especially in poorer areas, is good news for the National Education Welfare Board. The board's boss, ex Department of Education civil servant Eddie Ward, now has the evidence to prove his case that he needs more resources.
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