Teachers ‘could be jailed’ if they oppose inspection

Teachers have vowed to oppose legal changes which they say could send them to jail if they challenge a school inspector.

Under a planned amendment to the Education Act, anyone who impedes the work of a Department of Education inspector could be guilty of an offence.

The penalties laid out in the Education and Training Boards Bill are for fines of up to €100,000 and five years in jail, or both.