An insider's guide to education

Tomorrow, we will know the answer to the question that has been dominating the education debate for the past year? Will Noel Dempsey stay or go?

If the rumour mill is to be believed, Mary Hanafin will be the next Minister for Education and Science. That said, some in the Department believe John O'Donoghue and/or Mary Coughlan are good outside bets for the post.

Across the third-level sector there is great disappointment that Mary Harney has, apparently, opted for Health over Education. The university heads saw Harney as someone who understands the key importance of scientific research. Still recovering from budget cuts, her appointment would have been ideal for them.

The question now is whether the new minister will have the time required to make a real difference.

Of course, all of this is just speculation. It is still possible that Noel Dempsey will remain in Marlborough Street. He has set in train initiatives including new school assessments, Leaving Cert and third-level reform and new structures to combat educational disadvantage. Does it make sense to change a minister in mid-stream? Maybe education needs a minister with a full five years in office and the time to make a real difference?

The communications director at NUI Maynooth, Colm Keane, was somewhat taken aback recently when his mobile rang in the office. On the line? One Roy Keane (no relation) of Hale, Manchester.

Keano agreed to an interview with the other Keane for his forthcoming radio series on famous footballers. On the following day, Colm travelled to Manchester United's plush Carrington training base to interview The Great One.

Colm Keane is an award-winning ex RTÉ presenter and producer. His series, which, ah, kicks off with the Keane interview will be broadcast on RTÉ Radio 1 on Friday, October 15th.

The OECD proposal that ITs (with the exception of DIT) should no longer award PhDs is a bombshell for the sector. The OECD, it appears, were very impressed with some of the ITs. But also very unimpressed with the high drop-out rates from several courses.

Susie Hall is already winning friends as the new ASTI president. As one senior figure said last week: "There is a real sense that the organisation is moving on" The question now is whether she can fend off some in her executive who see her as a moderate. For some hard-liners in the ASTI executive, there is no greater sin.

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