Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

Since we last met the Minister for Education and Science has directed the inspectorate in his Department to adopt an investigative role in that he directed it to check schools on 23 December to see which teachers were present. As a former Minister of Education, the Leader would have valued the advisory and supportive role of the inspectorate at all times. It was a complete departure from precedent for it to adopt this investigative role. In doing this, the Minister has lost the trust of the majority of teachers and boards of management have questioned his credibility. Where is he going and what is his vision of education? He has now embarked on a new vision for education.