Written Answers. - Child Abuse.
Michael Noonan
Ceist:
192
Mr. Noonan
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
if his Department has inquired into the circumstances of assaults on a person at a school (details supplied) in 1997 and 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[12361/02]
My Department first became aware of this matter when the school authorities notified it in 1998 that a teacher had been placed on suspension in connection with a Garda investigation into allegations of child abuse. This suspension was consistent with my Department's procedures relating to such allegations – these place child safety as the most important priority. Further inquiry in the matter had then to await resolution of the criminal charges.
In June 2000 my Department was informed that the teacher in question had been convicted on charges of abuse and had been sentenced to a term of imprisonment. Clearly such a conviction raised issues about procedures in the school and the safety of children generally in the school. My Department requested a report from the school authorities on the circumstances of the assault on the child concerned and their procedures for the protection of children in the school. A report has been received which sets out the procedures for child safety in the school.
My Department also sought a report from the health board of its assessment of the school in so far as child safety was concerned, and on the adequacy of supports being provided to children by the school arising from the particular case. The board's response indicated that it had received a number of referrals connected to the charges against the teacher concerned and that the school had co-operated with the board and had been advised by the board. Overall, on the basis of the report of the health board my Department is satisfied that there are adequate child protection procedures in place in the school.
As regards the teacher concerned, in June 2000 my Department commenced the process of withdrawal of recognition as a teacher in this case. Legal and constitutional demands require that the teacher, although convicted, be granted due process. In view of the fact that an appeal against conviction is now pending, the process for withdrawal of recognition has had to be suspended until the appeal is determined. Meanwhile, of course, the teacher concerned remains in prison and does not constitute a threat to children.
Notwithstanding the report from the school, I remain of the view that further inquiry is needed into how the abuse occurred in this case and how the procedures in place in the school for child protection appear to have failed in this instance. It is appropriate, however, that further inquiry into this aspect of the case is carried out only when the appeal has been determined.
