If the minister knows it all, why is he out there?

THE shelves of the Department of Education and Science are groaning with expert reports, whose recommendations have not been implemented, despite the fact that they were commissioned at huge cost to the taxpayer.

Last Thursday, I attended the first meeting in the YES Process (Your Education System, "a national process of consultation on the future shape of education") in Galway.

It was hosted by the Minister for Education and Science, Noel Dempsey, and was attended by many people with an interest in education parents, teachers, principals and some students.

The discussion was wide ranging and the MC, Joe Duffy, tried to allow as many people as possible to express their concerns. I found it an extremely interesting experience. The following morning I was horrified to hear the minister say, in a radio interview with Emma O'Kelly, that he had learnt nothing he didn't already know!

I simply could not believe my ears.

Susie Hall

Vice President

ASTI

Winetavern Street

Dublin 8