IPPN

Published: 01 July 2009

NEWLY appointed teachers who fail to disclose details of allegations of child abuse against them -- even if unproven -- could face the sack in future.

The tough approach follows legal advice which says that where an employee abuses, particularly sexually abuses, a pupil, the board of management could be sued.

The advice was obtained by the umbrella body for secondary schools, the JMB.

General secretary Ferdia Kelly last night said that in addition to checking references and ensuring new staff had been vetted, interview panels should ask a number of questions about the background of applicants.

An information leaflet for applicants says that the school must therefore make certain inquiries of all applicants for employment, which include:

• Where have you been residing during the previous five years?
• Were you ever the subject of an inquiry by the HSE concerning a child welfare matter?
• Were you ever the subject of a garda criminal investigation arising from a complaint of child abuse?
• Were you the subject of any allegation of criminal conduct or wrongdoing towards a minor?
• Are you aware of any material circumstance in respect of your own conduct which touched/touches on the welfare of a minor?

The leaflet says that it is a fundamental term of employment that applicants give full disclosure in their answers.

"You should also note that if the school is satisfied, in the future, that you have made incomplete or inaccurate disclosure, you may face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal," it states.

Schools have been told to give copies of the information leaflet at the initial point of enquiry about vacant posts, to insert the questions into the application form or ask them at interview.

- John Walshe Education Editor