Department confirms 19 teachers under investigation for alleged abuse

ALMOST 20 teachers are being investigated in relation to alleged child abuse, according to the Department of Education.

They are among 43 primary and second-level staff who have been placed on leave over the last decade because of child abuse claims. It is not clear how many cases relate to allegations made by past or current pupils, or if they relate to abuse alleged to have happened at school.

Of 24 primary teachers placed on administrative leave because of abuse allegations since 1995, 11 are still in that position. In that period, two primary teachers have been dismissed and another is in the process of having their teaching recognition withdrawn by the Department of Education.

Eight second-level teachers are being investigated over alleged abuse, out of 19 suspended or on administrative leave since 1999. Another eight have retired or resigned, one has died and two have been dismissed.

Education Minister Mary Hanafin said she is satisfied that proper procedures are in place for protection of children in schools, a view supported by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO).

The minister told the Dáil yesterday that teachers, caretakers and bus drivers will come under the scrutiny of the Garda Vetting Unit after it begins a substantial staff expansion later this month.

She said the vetting of school boards raises the question of examining people working in a voluntary capacity. She said the focus of vetting would be on those with regular unsupervised access to children.

She also revealed that up to 600 primary schools may not be teaching the Stay Safe programme aimed at improving pupils’ self-protective skills. But, while the scheme is not compulsory and its teaching requires parental approval, the INTO has indicated participation rates are higher than the 80% to 85% suggested by the department.

Labour Party education spokeswoman Jan O’Sullivan said such a programme would have been useful to the children who suffered clerical abuse in the Diocese of Ferns and said it should be made mandatory.

Ms Hanafin said she would rather have the programme explained to parents than dictating that it should be provided.