An FOI request I made showed that the Minister for Education's first consideration after learning about the errors in the LC calculated grades system was self-preservation & spin https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/department-of-education-hired-pr-firm-the-day-after-leaving-cert-exams-error-came-to-light-40063429.html

I've been critical of the DES's politics by press release but contacting a PR firm ahead of bringing an issue like this to the attention of Cabinet colleagues is deeply worrying and does little to instill trust in the DES.

Timeline of events below

23 Sep: Minister Foley informed of LC errors. Taoiseach contacted
24 Sep: DES hired Communications Clinic
29 Sep: Cabinet not informed of the issue despite coalition party leaders discussing errors day before
30 Sep: Errors made public at press conference by Minister