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period, two primary teachers have been dismissed and another is in the process of having their teaching recognition withdrawn by the Department of Education.