Gardaí were concerned about employment of child abuser

The Garda commissioner has told the Justice Minister that Gardaí in Donegal expressed concern about the continued employment of child abuser Michael Ferry at a school in 2002.

Mr Ferry, aged 55, from Carrick Boyle in Gweedore was jailed for 18 years yesterday for sex offences against pupils of the same school between 1990 and 2005.

Earlier today, Justice Minister Alan Shatter asked the Garda Commissioner to supply him with details of the case involving Michael Ferry.

Despite a conviction for sexually assaulting a pupil - he continued working at a school in Derrybeg in Co. Donegal where he had access to vulnerable children.

The department of Justice has now confirmed that local gardaí reported the 2002 conviction to the Health Board in accordance with childcare guidelines.

Gardaí also spoke to the owner of the school to express their concern about Michael Ferry's continued employment.

The Garda commissioner has also told the Minister that the owner of the school was in court for the criminal proceedings in 2002.

Minister Shatter has also called on those in charge of the school to explain how Ferry was allowed to continue in his caretaking job, and whether they considered the risk he posed to children.