asked the Minister for Education what steps have been taken to discipline the Mr. O'Sullivan who is reported to have knocked one of his pupils unconscious with a blow on the head, which in addition has resulted in residual nerve damage to the child, and for which assault damages of £120 were awarded at Castlebar Circuit Court.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disciplinary Action against Teacher.
55.
This case is at present under official investigation. I am, therefore, not in a position to make any statement in regard to it.
Is this man still in charge of children in any of our national schools? Is he still teaching?
I expect he is. His livelihood would not be interfered with without an investigation.
In the light of the savage occurrence in the school, it is obvious that the man is mentally sick——
The Deputy is making an argument now, not asking a question.
——and surely should be sent to a mental hospital. May I ask the Minister how long the investigation is likely to take?
I cannot say how long it will take. That would be acting the prophet.
It is not acting the prophet. Could the Minister tell me whether it will take a week, a month, a year or ten years?
I have already said that it is being investigated.
Could the Minister express any view as to how long the investigation will take—a month, a year or five years?
The Deputy has asked that already and the Minister has replied.
It will not take any of the long periods the Deputy has mentioned.
You are very worried about it, obviously. It is keeping you awake at night, I am sure.
I am not pretending anything.
You are not in control of your Department, obviously.
I am in control of myself, which is more than some people can claim.
You are not in control of your teachers. Why not try to control them?