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Calendar of Public Inquiry Hearings

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 27 and 28 February 2024

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning two registered teachers, which commenced before a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on 29 November 2023, and continued on 13 December 2023, 29 January 2024 and 8 February 2024, will resume on Tuesday 27 February 2024 in the Teaching Council Offices, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

The inquiry is due to recommence at 9.30am on Tuesday 27 February 2024 and it is expected it will continue at 9.30am on Wednesday 28 February 2024. There will be no access to the inquiry room before the inquiry commences each day.

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public. However, any witness called to give evidence at an inquiry or the registered teachers, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private.

There is limited space in the inquiry room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed. Please email professionalstandards@teachingcouncil.ie to register your interest in attending.

 

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 8 February 2024

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher, which commenced before a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on 29 November 2023, and continued on 13 December 2023 and 29 January 2024, will resume on Thursday, 8 February 2024 in the Teaching Council Offices, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

The inquiry is due to recommence at 2 pm on Thursday, 8 February 2024. There will be no access to the inquiry room before the inquiry commences.

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public. However, any witnesses called to give evidence at an inquiry or the registered teachers, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private.

There is limited space in the inquiry room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed. Please email professionalstandards@teachingcouncil.ie to register your interest.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 29 January and 02 February 2024

Please note that day 4 of this inquiry will not take place on Friday, 2 February 2024. 

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher, which commenced before a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on 29 November 2023, and continued for a second day on 13 December 2023, will resume on Monday 29 January 2024 in the Teaching Council Offices, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

The inquiry is due to recommence at 10am on Monday 29 January and it is expected it will continue at 9.45am on Friday 02 February. There will be no access to the inquiry room before the inquiry commences each day.

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public. However, any witness called to give evidence at an inquiry or the registered teachers, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private.

There is limited space in the inquiry room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed. Please email professionalstandards@teachingcouncil.ie to register your interest in attending.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 13 December 2023  

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning two registered teachers, which commenced before a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on 29 November 2023, will continue on Wednesday 13 December 2023 in the Teaching Council Offices, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.  

The inquiry is due to recommence at 10am on Wednesday 13 December and there will be no access to the inquiry room before the inquiry commences. 

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public. However, any witness called to give evidence at an inquiry or the registered teachers, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private.  

There is limited space in the inquiry room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed.

Please email professionalstandards@teachingcouncil.ie to register your interest in attending.

 

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 29 and 30 November 2023

Please note that Day 2 of this inquiry (30 November) has been cancelled and will be re-scheduled.

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher will be held by a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on Wednesday, 29 November 2023 in the offices of the Teaching Council Offices, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

The inquiry is due to commence at 10am on Wednesday 29 November. There will be no access to the inquiry room before the inquiry commences.

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public. However, any witness called to give evidence at an inquiry or the registered teacher, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private. Such applications can be made at any time before the commencement of the inquiry, including the day of the inquiry.

There is limited space in the inquiry room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed. 

Please email  professionalstandards@teachingcouncil.ie to register your interest in attending.

 

Fitness to Teach Inquiry – Sanction Hearing 14 September 2023

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher was held on 15 June 2023 and 06 July 2023.

The outcome of the inquiry was that the Inquiry Panel found the allegations against the registered teacher were proven, and that the conduct of the registered teacher amounted to professional misconduct and a breach of the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers (Updated Second Edition, 2016).

Arising from same, the Inquiry Panel will convene to hear submissions on sanction on Thursday 14 September 2023 in the offices of the Teaching Council, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 Y7X0.

The hearing is due to commence at 10 am and there will be no access to the sanction hearing room before then.

There is limited space in the hearing room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed. Please email professionalstandards@teachingcouncil.ie to register your interest in attending.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 8 September 2023

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts, 2011-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher will be held by a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on Friday, 8 September 2023 in the offices of the Teaching Council, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 Y7X0.

The inquiry is due to commence at 9:30 am and there will be no access to the inquiry room before then.

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public, However, any witness called to give evidence at an inquiry or the registered teacher, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private. Such applications can be made at any time before the commencement of the inquiry , including the day of the inquiry.

There is limited space in the inquiry room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed. Please email professionalstandards@teachingcouncil.ie to register your interest in attending.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 14 August 2023 (Cancelled and will be re-scheduled)

This inquiry has been cancelled and will be re-scheduled at a later date.

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher was held on 15 June 2023 and 06 July 2023.

The outcome of the inquiry was that the Inquiry Panel found the allegations against the registered teacher were proven, and that the conduct of the registered teacher amounted to professional misconduct and a breach of the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers (Updated Second Edition, 2016).

Arising from same, the Inquiry Panel will convene to hear submissions on sanction on Monday 14 August 2023 in the offices of the Teaching Council, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

The hearing is due to commence at 10 am and there will be no access to the sanction hearing room before then.

There is limited space in the hearing room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 6 July 2023

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001 – 2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher was held on 15 June 2023 by a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council. The inquiry is ongoing and the second day of the inquiry will be held on Thursday, 6 July in the offices of the Teaching Council, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

The inquiry is due to commence at 10 am and there will be no access to the inquiry room before then.

There is limited space in the inquiry room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed. 

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 15 June 2023

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher will be held by a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on Thursday, 15 June 2023 in the offices of the Teaching Council Offices, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

The inquiry is due to commence at 10 am and there will be no access to the inquiry room before then.

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public. However, any witness called to give evidence at an inquiry or the registered teacher, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private. Such applications can be made at any time before the commencement of the inquiry, including the day of the inquiry.

There is limited space in the inquiry room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 12th August 2022

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher was held on Friday 01 April 2022. Arising from same, the Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council made findings against the teacher concerned and will convene to announce these findings and hear submissions regarding potential sanctions, on Friday 12 August 2022 in the offices of the Teaching Council, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

The sanction hearing is due to commence at 10am and there will be no access to the hearing room before then.

At present, it is expected that the sanction hearing will proceed in public. However, the registered teacher, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of this hearing conducted in private. Such applications can be made at any time before the commencement of the hearing, including the day of the hearing.

There is limited space in the inquiry room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 28th July 2022

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher will be held by a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on Thursday 28 July 2022 in the offices of the Teaching Council Offices, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

The inquiry is due to commence at 9:30am and there will be no access to the inquiry room before then.

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public. However, any witness called to give evidence at an inquiry or the registered teacher, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private. Such applications can be made at any time before the commencement of the inquiry, including the day of the inquiry.

There is limited space in the inquiry room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 1st April 2022

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher will be held by a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on Friday 01 April 2022 in The Clayton Hotel, Fonthill Road, Liffey Valley, Dublin 22.

The inquiry is due to commence at 10am and there will be no access to the inquiry room before then.

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public. However, any witness called to give evidence at an inquiry or the registered teacher, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private. Such applications can be made at any time before the commencement of the inquiry, including the day of the inquiry.

There is limited space in the inquiry room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 9th December 2021

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher was held on 11 November 2021. Arising from same, the Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council will convene to announce its findings and hear submissions regarding potential sanctions, on Thursday 09 December 2021, commencing at 3.30pm.

The hearing will take place remotely on an online platform.

At present, it is expected that the sanction hearing will proceed in public. However, the registered teacher, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of this hearing conducted in private. Such applications can be made at any time before the commencement of the hearing, including the day of the hearing.

The number of hearing attendees on a remote platform will be restricted and permission to attend cannot be guaranteedA limited number of members of the public/media can join and observe the hearing online.

If you would like to attend please email professionalstandards@teachingcouncil.ie and provide the following information: your full name, your email address to which we can send the online link and your reason for requesting to observe (for example, media). Expressions of interest must be received by 5pm on Monday 06 December 2021.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 19th November 2021

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher will be held by a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on Friday 19 November 2021, commencing at 9.30am.

The inquiry will take place remotely on an online platform.

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public. However, any witness called to give evidence at an inquiry or the registered teacher, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private. Such applications can be made at any time before the commencement of the inquiry, including the day of the inquiry.

The number of inquiry attendees on a remote platform will be restricted and permission to attend cannot be guaranteedA limited number of members of the public/media can join and observe the inquiry online.

If you would like to attend please email professionalstandards@teachingcouncil.ie and provide the following information: your full name, your email address to which we can send the online link and your reason for requesting to observe (for example, media). Expressions of interest must be received by 5pm on Tuesday 16 November 2021.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 11 November 2021

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher will be held by a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on Thursday 11 November 2021, commencing at 9.30am.

The inquiry will take place remotely on an online platform.

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public. However, any witness called to give evidence at an inquiry or the registered teacher, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private. Such applications can be made at any time before the commencement of the inquiry, including the day of the inquiry.

The number of inquiry attendees on a remote platform will be restricted and permission to attend cannot be guaranteedA limited number of members of the public/media can join and observe the inquiry online.

If you would like to attend please email professionalstandards@teachingcouncil.ie and provide the following information: your full name, your email address to which we can send the online link and your reason for requesting to observe (for example, media). Expressions of interest must be received by 5pm on Monday 08 November 2021.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 16 June 2021

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher was held on 05 May 2021. Arising from same, the Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council will convene to announce its findings and hear submissions regarding potential sanctions, on Wednesday 16 June 2021, commencing at 10am.

Due to Government Public Health Guidelines, related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sanction hearing will take place remotely on an online platform.

At present, it is expected that the sanction hearing will proceed in public. However, the registered teacher, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of this hearing conducted in private. Such applications can be made at any time before the commencement of the hearing, including the day of the hearing.

The number of hearing attendees on a remote platform will be restricted and permission to attend cannot be guaranteedA limited number of members of the public / media can join and observe the sanction hearing online.

If you would like to attend online, please email professionalstandards@teachingcouncil.ie and provide the following information: your full name, your email address (to allow us confirm if you have been granted observer status), and your reason for requesting to observe (for example, media). Expressions of interest must be received by 2pm on Monday 14 June 2021.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 5 May 2021

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher will be held by a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on Wednesday 5 May 2021, commencing at 10am. The inquiry is scheduled to continue Thursday 6 May 2021, should a further day be required.

Due to Government Public Health Guidelines, related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the inquiry will take place remotely on an online platform.

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public. However, any witness called to give evidence at an inquiry or the registered teacher, the subject of the inquiry, can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private. Such applications can be made at any time before the commencement of the inquiry, including the day of the inquiry.

The number of inquiry attendees on a remote platform will be restricted and permission to attend cannot be guaranteedA limited number of members of the public / media can join and observe the inquiry online.

If you would like to attend online, please email professionalstandards@teachingcouncil.ie and provide the following information: your full name, your email address to which we can send the online link and your reason for requesting to observe (for example, media). Expressions of interest must be received by 2pm on 30 April 2021.

Fitness to Teach Inquiry 4 February 2020

In accordance with Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, an inquiry concerning a registered teacher will be held by a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee of the Teaching Council on Tuesday 4 February 2020 in the offices of the Teaching Council, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co Kildare.

The inquiry is due to commence at 09.30am and there will be no access to the inquiry room before then.

At present, it is expected that the inquiry will proceed in public. However, any witness called to give evidence at an inquiry including the registered teacher the subject of the inquiry can apply to have all or part of the inquiry conducted in private. Such applications can be made at any time before the commencement of the inquiry, including the day of the inquiry.

There is limited space in the inquiry room so access will be restricted and cannot be guaranteed

Findings and Decisions

Section 46B of the Teaching Council Acts 2001–2015 provides that the Teaching Council shall, ‘if satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so’, publish details of the findings and the decisions, in relation to sanction, of Inquiry Panels of the Disciplinary Committee. Details will remain on the website for varying periods ranging from 6 to 24 months, depending on the seriousness of the sanction (if any).

Information for Public and Media

Part 5 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 (“the Act”) provides for the consideration and investigation of complaints relating to registered teachers, by the Teaching Council’s Investigating Committee. It provides for the holding of inquiries/hearings by Panels of the Disciplinary Committee, where necessary.

The Investigating Committee stage of the process (the initial screening stage) is held completely in private.

Fitness to Teach inquiries are generally held in public (as per the Teaching Council Acts) with the public and media permitted to attend. The legislation does, however, provide for inquiries to be held in private in certain circumstances.

At the conclusion of a fitness to teach inquiry, Part 5 of the Act also provides for the possible imposition of sanctions, if a finding is made against the teacher.

Publication of information only arises when a complaint is referred by the Investigating Committee to the Disciplinary Committee for an inquiry. If a complaint is not referred to the Disciplinary Committee for an inquiry, no information is published.

Fitness to Teach Inquiries

If the Investigating Committee refers a complaint to the Disciplinary Committee, an inquiry will take place before a Panel of the Disciplinary Committee. A panel consists of not less than 3 and not more than 5 members of the Disciplinary Committee. Please note that an inquiry could take the form of either an oral hearing, or an examination of documents and written submissions. If an oral hearing takes place, the Act states that it will proceed in public unless:

a) An application is made by the teacher, or a witness, which may include the complainant, to hold all, or part, of the inquiry otherwise than in public, and

b) The Panel of the Disciplinary Committee is satisfied that it would be appropriate in the circumstances to hold all or part of the oral hearing otherwise than in public.

Members of the public and media can attend public hearings. A calendar of public hearings will be published on the Teaching Council website, from time to time. However, details of individuals involved in the proceedings will not be published in advance of hearings.

Inquiries that proceed by way of an Examination of Documents and Written Submissions, and not as an oral hearing, take place in private. If the Teaching Council deems it to be in the public interest, details of findings and sanctions in these cases can be published on the Council website.

Further information is available for Witnesses at hearings before a Disciplinary Committee Panel, including a glossary of terms for reference.  

The Completion of an Oral Hearing

After considering all of the evidence at the inquiry, the Panel shall deliberate in private session and prepare a report, which will contain details of whether the allegation(s) have been found to be proven. If the inquiry proceeded in public, the Panel may proceed to announce their decision in public, and will hear submissions on sanction. The Panel will then deliberate in private session and decide on any sanction. If the inquiry proceeded in public, the Panel may proceed to announce their sanction decision in public.

If it is decided to impose one of the more serious sanctions (i.e. conditions attached to a teacher’s registration, a suspension from the register for a period not exceeding 2 years, or removal from the register), the teacher has 21 days to apply to the High Court for annulment of the decision. In the event that no application is made by the teacher, the Council will apply to the High Court for confirmation of the decision.

Under the Act, it is a matter for the Teaching Council to decide if it is in the public interest to publish the finding, or findings, of the Panel and/or any sanction decided on by the Panel, regardless of whether the inquiry proceeded in public or private (including inquiries by Examination of Documents & Written Submissions). If the Council decides that it is in the public interest to publish, details will be placed on the Council’s website.

The Teaching Council does not comment on individual cases.

Additional Information

The Council will, at all times, comply with its reporting obligations to bodies, including An Garda Síochána and Tusla (The Child and Family Agency), regarding the protection of children and vulnerable persons.