Court doubles compo for ex-teacher

A decision by the Employment Appeals Tribunal, that a primary school principal who took early retirement was constructively dismissed, has been upheld at Limerick Circuit Court and the amount of compensation has more than doubled. 

Judge Tom O’Donnell, affirming the tribunal decision, said its €50,000 compensation award to Betty O’Farrell was on the low side. He increased the award to €106,846 and, in the event of an appeal, ordered that €70,000 be paid over immediately.

Mrs O’Farrell, a mother of four from Newport, Co Tipperary, who taught for over 30 years at St Brigid’s Primary School, Singland, claimed constructive dismissal after taking early retirement due to ongoing problems she had with a teaching colleague.