Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is missing the point. Of course he must focus on his day job, with reform and change being part of his brief. It is important, however, to remember that when the Minister visits a school, particularly a disadvantaged school, it creates a great lift in the community and shows interest on the part of the Government. The Minister can also see examples of good practice under way in many of those schools. There is an empowerment aspect to the job that is important. When I was a principal, when a Minister visited the school, the word would go around the flats for weeks before and after. It was a positive message and the Minister should not remove himself from that.

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