Mary Hanafin and her formidable inner circle (secretary general, Brigid McManus, adviser Averil Power and press officer Ger Butler) have so far managed to keep a lid on the education news flowing from the publication of the Estimates this Thursday.
Here's a quick preview. Broadly, the Estimates will reflect the huge power now enjoyed by the INTO and its general secretary, John Carr. The union has put down a marker to Hanafin - cut class size or we will make trouble. In pre-election mode, the Minister has no intention of disappointing such a powerful (and media savvy) organisation. So good news for the primary sector.
On secondary, there will also be good news, although the ASTI's continued weakness means the Minister is under less pressure.
The big losers will again be third-level. The reform fund - designed to reward colleges for modernisation - won't even feature in the Estimates. And only about €10 million will be allocated to the fund in the Budget. There will be money for some new buildings but nothing like the quantum leap in funding demanded by the OECD.
Nerves are beginning to fray down in Parnell Square, where the four candidates for INTO deputy general secretary - three of whom work together - are getting jumpy.
The race remains too close to call. INTO president Sheila Nunan has made a strong late charge. The other candidates - Man Utd fan Billy Sheehan, Tom O'Sullivan and Marathon Man Noel Ward - are very much in the mix. This is a quality field, reflecting the very high calibre of INTO personnel.
Is there a better student journal than UCD's University Observer? This is a real newspaper with excellent news and features on life in the windswept campus. Take a bow editor Sorcha Nic Mhathúna and her team.
What sort of schools are being visited by Mary Hanafin?
She told a Dáil debate on Irish music last week how she has been impressed by the emphasis being put on dance, singing and the Irish language. "While one will get the Mamas and the Papas, and other such songs, sung in perfect harmony [ in schools], one will also get the traditional Irish songs," she said.
Good to see that Mama Cass of California Dreaming fame has not been forgotten by today's youth.
Now, pass me that Eminem CD.
Got any education gossip? E-mail us, in confidence, at teacherspet@irish-times.ie
