An insider's guide to education

- Mary Coughlanmade her debut appearance as minister for education at Dáil questions and before the Oireachtas education committee last week.

The new minister had to fend off a series of glancing blows from the main opposition spokesmen Fine Gael’s Brian Hayes (below) and Labour’s Ruairí Quinn.

The Dynamic Duo have clearly targeted the minister. One Dáil wag said “they are like two rugby forwards determined to unsettle and bring down the fly-half.’’

When the Minister told the committee said she had still to form a view about student fees, Hayes sighed and lamented ; “Thirteen years in cabinet and you have still to form an opinion!’’

And on Wednesday when she ruled out a public forum on school patronage in the Dáil, Ruairí Quinn commented wryly “it did not take them long to house train you’’.

Mary Coughlan was unfazed by the barbs and the criticisms. But Hayes and Quinn are formidable opponents – and they have only just begun.

- Quote ofthe week. Asked by Senator David Norris about the Scandinavian tax system Mary Coughlan commented: "The Scandinavian model comes with a few red lights attached.''

- The latestDepartment of Education figures show 53 post-primary schools discontinued a science subject in the current school year while only 10 introduced a new science subject to their curriculum in the same year.

Figures compiled by the ASTI are even more alarming. It says 14 per cent of schools have dropped a Leaving Cert science subject this year. Teachers say a further 20 per cent are likely to drop a science subject next year.

Did someone mention the Smart Economy?

- John Carrreceived a fitting tribute as he signed off as INTO general secretary at a reception in the Teachers' Club last week.

All the trade union big wigs and the movers and shakers from education were there to mark the retirement of a modest, popular and hugely respected figure.

The attendance included education minister, Mary Coughlan, arts and former education minister Mary Hanafin, Department of Education secretary general, Brigid McManus, Senator Joe O’Toole, Ruairí Quinn and Finian McGrath

Teacher union colleagues present included Peter McMenamin and Annette Dolan (TUI) and John White and Joe Moran (ASTI).

- How shouldIrish education be reshaped?

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) has published the results of a “think-in’’ by some key members. It is an impressive and visionary response to our current difficulties.

The NAPD envisage a recast education system with more self-directed learning and a new focus on competencies rather than qualifications.

This is the kind of stuff which would feed well into a national forum on the future of second level education or a much needed updated review of the points system.

But there is still no sign of these initiatives.

Safely out of public view those discussions are continuing between the Catholic Church authorities and the Department of Education over school patronage. Next month, the Department will forward a list of ten possible areas to the church for further consultation.

But whyis all of this taking place in such secrecy? Why is there no wider consultation? And do all senior church figures share Diarmuid Martin’s generous views about a transfer of patronage?

- Got anyeducation gossip? E- mail in confidence to teacherspet@irishtimes.com