Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 1995

Vol. 457 No. 8

Written Answers. - Employment of Teacher.

Tom Kitt

Ceist:

30 Mr. T. Kitt asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the circumstances whereby an Australian national sought and obtained permission to teach primary school children in this State, including those at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16, notwithstanding the fact that this person was convicted of offences relating to child sexual abuse in another jurisdiction; if she has investigated this matter; if so, the outcome of these investigations; the assurances, if any, she can give to parents of children attending this school; and if she will ensure that there will be greater co-ordination in future between Government Departments and between the Irish Government and other jurisdictions on cases of this nature. [15977/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am aware of the case to which the Deputy refers.

The person concerned was employed by the boards of management of ten primary schools between January and June of this year as either an untrained substitute or an unqualified temporary teacher. He acted as a substitute teacher in the school to which the Deputy refers for five days in January last. He neither sought nor obtained permission to teach in these schools from my Department. He is not a recognised primary teacher, nor did he seek to become one. The appointment of substitute teachers is a matter for individual school authorities.

There has been no suggestion or allegation that this person engaged in any inappropriate or illegal behaviour while employed by any of the schools concerned. Once alerted to this particular case, my Department immediately investigated the matter and contact was established with the Garda authorities at a senior level. When this issue arose I gave an assurance that, in view of the serious nature of the matter, my Department would contact the management, teacher and parent representative bodies in order to have appointment procedures reviewed.

A working party comprising management representatives, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation and the National Parents' Council (Primary) has already begun an examination of this issue as part of a wider review of all procedures relating to child abuse allegations which concern primary schools. Among the issues which the working party will address are the suitability, training and formal pre-registration of persons wishing to act as substitute teachers.

It is my intention to have whatever procedures are devised by the working party replicated for schools at second level with appropriate adjustments to suit the management structures involved.