Review of the Department of Education

On the one hand it criticises the D of E for being too timid in promoting its agenda, whilst on the other says the department is too unskilled to formulate useful policies????? Given the latter case, the former problem is probably a good thing. – SAT, politics.ie

I've emailed the Department of Education for help in finding the link,which I was unable to find. The Irish Times education editor wasn't exaggerating when he said on Newstalk that the link was buried. – patslatt, politics.ie

Quinn’s concern about school tours to greyhound racing stadiums

I hate to say it but I do agree with him. there are plenty of other places to visit that are free. what's educational about dog racing. We brought our kids to the naval base in Cork and the garda/fire stations for free. A lot more educational and FUN. – Mick Kenny, thejournal.ie

Betting isn't appropriate? Why not? Conkers, marbles and football stickers were just some of the things that were gambled in my primary school and I don't think any of my fellow students turned into gambling addicts. What's the point in shielding kids from real life? There are schools with rubber playgrounds were any kind of running or physical contact between students is banned. These kids will be completely unprepared for the real world. Take off the bubble wrap and let kids be. – Seanbeag, thejournal.ie

Yes, because visits to dog tracks are the kernel of Ireland's educational woes, not underfunding, huge classes, a lack of opportunities for newly qualified teachers, etc – Fintan O'Mahony, thejournal.ie

What is the point of this comment? Do you think the minister has dropped everything to deal with this issue? I don't think the questioner or the minister are under any illusions about the problems in education, but does that mean the minister should ignore questions like this until everything else is solved? – Stephen Wall, thejournal.ie

In a word Stephen: Yes. – Fintan O'Mahony, thejournal.ie