asked the Minister for Education whether he will consider reversing his decision not to admit members of the Houses of the Oireachtas to informal inquiries held by his Department; and, if not, whether in view of the fact that he is answerable to the Dáil, he will make available to the members of both Houses a full and comprehensive verbatim report of the proceedings at such inquiries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Education Inquiries.
37.
The purpose of a formal inquiry into charges preferred against a teacher is to ascertain facts so as to enable me to come to a decision as to whether the teacher concerned has been guilty of conduct unbefitting a teacher.
These inquiries are non-statutory, and since they involve the giving of evidence by school-children and the voluntary attendance of a number of persons for the purpose of giving evidence, I am satisfied that the general interest is best served by the presence of only those persons directly concerned in the matter.
I am also satisfied that my responsibility to Dáil Éireann does not require me to supply members of the House with detailed information concerning administrative enquiries instituted by me.