An insider's guide to education

• That suggestion by Noel Dempsey of a lottery for third-level applications has led to many raised eyebrows in the colleges.

For some, it is seen as more evidence of the Minister giving voice to a half-baked notion, before addressing an issue seriously.

In a statement last week, Labour's Jan O'Sullivan said that Dempsey was gaining a reputation for floating ideas but not following them up with implementation. The statement hit a raw nerve among some who regard the talented O'Sullivan as Dempsey's only formidable opponent on the floor of the Dáil.

But Dempsey could have time on his side if he remains in Education after the June reshuffle. Things could also turn his way. The OECD review on third-level, due in the autumn, is expected to re-open the college fees debate. It will also underpin Dempsey's view about the gross inequality in our third-level system.

• A day out last week for university presidents who travelled to Limerick for their regular meeting. High on the agenda - that proposal by the Higher Education Authority for greater use of private funds.

Despite some hysterical reaction to any talk of privatisation of the colleges, the university presidents recognise that change is inevitable. Virtually all of them acknowledge that the OECD report will herald radical change. The only question now is the extent of it.

• Say what you like about the teacher conferences, but you must have some admiration for those who give up the week after Easter to spend several days in stuffy meeting rooms. While other teachers are enjoying the milder weather, over 1,000 of their colleagues are sitting through day-long debates.

"Are we mad and does anyone appreciate us?" asked one delegate last year. Answers on a postcard please!

• Last week's National Parents' Council (Primary) conference in Limerick was a triumph for NPC boss Fionnuala Kilfeather. The conference was widely regarded - even by visiting hacks - as one of the best they had attended.

This was helped in no small way by the forum on the future of education. The engagement between Noel Dempsey and parents was both interesting and stimulating. Praise too for RTÉ broadcaster John Creedon, who did a fine job chairing the proceedings.

• E-mail us, in confidence, at teacherspet@irish-times.ie