asked the Minister for Education whether his attention has been called to an article which appeared in a foreign journal and was quoted in a speech by a Deputy, as reported in the "Cork Examiner" on November 23rd, charging national teachers with engaging in a campaign for the destruction of civics and democracy, the propagation of Bolshevism at home, and the death of Catholic truth, and alleging that the teachers indulged in such practices in the course of their school duties; whether he will state how many cases have come to his notice in which teachers have been charged with such activities during the course of their school duties, and what action has been taken by him in such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Charges Against National Teachers.
I have seen the extract referred to, a portion of which is quoted in the question.
In a recent case an allegation was made that a teacher had offended in a manner indicated in another portion of the extract. When examined the teacher implicated denied the more serious part of the allegation. In the circumstances of the case it did not seem that a more formal investigation was desirable. The teacher was warned to be more careful of his language in the future. Apart from this instance I cannot recall any definite complaint made or evidence submitted on which action might be taken by me in regard to the charges mentioned.
Mr. O'Connell
Could the Minister say therefore what were the strong measures which were referred to by the Deputy concerned when he said that strong action had been taken to deal with it? On that one case is there a charge made against the whole teaching body? Is that the origin of the Safety Bill?