Education Minister, Norma Foley, has explained why teacher Enoch Burke is still being paid a salary even though he is in jail.
Mr Burke remains in Mountjoy prison due to his refusal to comply with a High Court order to stay away from Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath.
Burke was brought from Mountjoy Prison to court on Tuesday morning where his ongoing refusal to comply with orders made last year was reviewed by Mr Justice Mark Sanfey.
READ MORE: Enoch Burke to remain in Mountjoy prison - but is still being paid full salary and hasn't paid fines
The judge said that with some regret he saw no reason to alter the order committing Mr Burke to prison
In reply to the judge, Mr Burke said the court was asking him "to do something wrong", adding that agreeing to comply with the order was "evil".
The court said that Mr Burke continues to be paid his salary pending his appeal against the school's decision to dismiss him, is being imprisoned at a cost to the taxpayer and has not paid any of the fines imposed on him by the High Court last year. Costs orders made against him by the courts in favour of the school have also not been paid.
At a press conference at Government Buildings on Tuesday afternoon, the Education Minister was asked why Mr Burke was still being paid his teacher’s wage while in Mountjoy Prison and not working.
Minister Foley said that the school has “particular obligations” and noted that efforts are being made to set a date for Mr Burke’s appeal.
“In the first instance, just to give context and to say the school is the employer there,” Ms Foley said.
“It is the school that must make the decision around administrative leave, which they have done.
“Indeed the school must make a decision around the payment of the salary and a request around payment of salary to the department.
“I must also say that in terms of the school, they have particular obligations also from a legal point of view in terms of the care of an employee."
The Minister added: “There was a disciplinary case being taken. It is my understanding that there was an injunction there in relation to that. That had to go through its necessary steps.
“But it is my understanding also that the Appeals Board, which is independent of the department, is seeking to put in place a date now that the injunction has been resolved."
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
