A Disciplinary Appeals Panel reviewing teacher Enoch Burke’s appeal against his dismissal from Wilson’s Hospital School in Westmeath in January 2023 has finished its proceedings.
The panel met with Mr Burke in Athlone today, with members of Mr Burke’s family also in attendance, reports RTE.
Mr Burke, who is currently imprisoned for contempt of court, was brought to the hearing by the Irish Prison Service.
A decision on his appeal will be made at a later stage, once the panel has considered the submissions made during today’s hearing, reports RTE.
Mr Burke was dismissed from Wilson’s Hospital School due to his conduct following a dispute that arose in May 2022, after staff were instructed by the then principal to use they/them pronouns and a new name for a pupil.
Mr Burke said he was unable to comply with the instruction and objected during a staff meeting and later publicly at a school church service, reports RTE.
He was subsequently suspended and later dismissed from his position.
Mr Burke had sought to have today’s hearing postponed, arguing that an outstanding matter currently before the Supreme Court should be decided first, reports RTE.
Yesterday, the Court of Appeal rejected his application to delay the hearing, allowing it to proceed today.
Mr Burke continues to be paid by the Department of Education while awaiting the outcome of his appeal, reports RTE.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
