andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Education whether he has concluded his investigation into the allegations of cruelty against a teacher made by the Hurley family, Raharoon, County Cork; whether the teacher against whom the charges were made was found guilty of the charges brought against him; and whether he is still a teacher in any national school and, if so, which.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allegations against Teacher.
67.
The charges concerned that were made against the teacher were dealt with by the court.
My investigation into his conduct as a teacher was duly carried out. It is not the practice to disclose the result of such investigation or to give information as to the nature or whereabouts of a post held by an individual.
Might I ask the Minister whether the teacher is, in fact, teaching in any school?
I did not withdraw recognition from him and so any manager may, if he wishes, employ this teacher.
In view of the very serious charges of outrageous behaviour on the part of this teacher against children, does the Minister still believe that he is a person who should be permitted to have the care of children?
Is it not a fact that this young teacher was carrying out the instructions of his manager when he took up his position in the school?
And when he beat the daylights out of the children?
Further, I would say to the Minister that it is his duty to put a statement on the Table of the House concerning that whole case from the I.N.T.O. and from the manager.
May I have an answer to my question?
I did not withdraw recognition from the teacher. The Deputy asked me did I think he should be allowed to teach——
To continue teaching.
Surely, if I thought otherwise I would not have permitted him to be employed? I took such action as I thought was necessary. There were other factors in the case, many factors, and I think I dealt adequately with this young man. I do not think there is any danger to any children under his care.
Is there any danger to the teacher from the children?