asked the Minister for Education if there is any Government rule or regulation which permits a national teacher to administer physical punishment to a pupil with his open or closed hand for something done outside school hours and outside the school premises, and for an offence not connected with compulsory school subjects; and, if so, if he will state the terms of the permissive regulation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Physical Punishment of Pupils.
70.
This question in effect asks me to express an opinion on a recent court decision. I consider that it would not be proper for me to do so.
I must say, however, as I have previously stated in this House, that I feel that any teacher is justified in acting in such matters as would a wise and just parent.
Surely the Minister would agree that the teacher in this case, in acting outside the school, was acting outside his powers and in that case was guilty of an assault? When the District Justice said he was justified, the District Justice was talking through his hat.