asked the Minister for Education if she approves of the decision of a secondary school in New Ross to dismiss a teacher for reasons related to her private life and unconnected with her professional conduct as a teacher; if she has received any representations from teachers' unions on the need for school authorities to respect the private lives of teachers; if, in view of the fact that teachers' salaries are paid from the Exchequer, she will indicate the steps she is taking to ensure that the right of teachers to a private life outside of school is respected; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dismissal of Teacher.
17.
The managers of secondary schools are the employers of the secondary teachers. I am not a party to the contract of employment between the management of a school and a teacher. My Department pays incremental salary to secondary teachers on foot of a monthly claim form which is certified by the school manager and which includes the following:
"As Manager of the school and employer of the teachers, I request that incremental salary be paid direct to the teachers".
In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to make a statement on the matter.