Analysis: Mr Dempsey saw little open hostility at the ASTI conference, writes John Downes in Killarney.
At a strangely downbeat ASTI conference in Killarney, most delegates seemed a world away from the fire-and-brimstone image which has dominated the conference - and the headlines - in recent years.
"Articulate, outspoken and willing to fight for issues they believe in," was how one delegate to the conference described the typical Ordinary Decent Teacher (ODT).
He said most people who get involved in the trade union movement are spurred on by the conditions they have experienced in the classroom.
And indeed, these conditions inevitably dominate the agenda when the Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, makes his entrance to a packed conference hall.
Special needs, binge-drinking, indiscipline and school league tables are key themes.
Mr Dempsey speaks to an audience more tolerant than many observers had expected, despite the sweltering heat.
But this is not to say that the Minister has it all his own way, however.
A man in a grey beard, for example, occasionally vocalises his annoyance about the Minister's presence at the conference.
An impassioned speech by president-elect, Ms Susie Hall, challenges him on some of his key beliefs.
But the rumours that have been circulating, warning of banners being unfolded to protest at his presence, prove to be groundless.
If ASTI delegates are planning to disrupt Mr Dempsey's flow, they seem content to confine themselves to the odd derisory laugh, and shouts of encouragement for any speaker criticising his policies.
Speaking after the meeting, Galway delegate, Ms Amy Talbot, says she feels the ASTI has not really moved on from its troubles over the past few years.
She agrees that, in general, Mr Dempsey has been treated very well by the audience, however, despite the odd heckler.
The Minister afterwards tells the press he is happy with the reception he has received. It was "very nice and polite", he says.
The new format has allowed for "real engagement", and proves his point that the teaching unions have nothing to fear from the process.
The evening is perhaps best summed up, then, by the prayer which took place at the start of the evening.
"Peace to this place and to all who assemble here," the priest conducting the service said.
Until next year, surely, that is.