Lesson for the minister

WHY has Education Minister Noel Dempsey not publicly welcomed the latest CSO figures which show that Ireland comes second in literacy level achievement in Europe?

Why has the minister not celebrated with students, teachers and parents the holistic atmosphere in our schools as evidenced in the carol singing, religious services, Christmas plays, concerts and fundraising for good causes which have been supported by the whole school community? I wish the minister a speedy recovery from his recent bout of biliousness when he seemed to be doing his utmost to demoralise rather than to uplift those who have been entrusted to his responsibility.

Bernadine O’Sullivan,