Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

This is an important matter regarding Coláiste Mhuire Training College, Marino. As a teacher, parent, taxpayer and Deputy for the area, I have major concerns about recent developments in the college. I express my solidarity and support for the former president of the college, Caoimhe Máirtín, one of the top educationalists on the island and a woman of ability, professionalism and great integrity who cares passionately about education. The bottom line is that Caoimhe Máirtín was bullied out of the college which leaves serious questions to be answered by the college governors and trustees.

It saddens me to raise this issue as I care deeply about primary education. I must, however, stop the rot when an issue of this nature reaches the educational and political agenda. This is a story of bullying, intimidation and psychological abuse and of a top college of education being severely damaged by a group of people who have put the college in complete disarray.

The issue also involves €4.2 million of taxpayers' money and raises the urgent need for accountability. Under the rules of the 1996 instruments of governance two separate bank accounts should have been created. Serious questions arise regarding the use of conference funds and strong evidence is available in this regard. The three core issues, therefore, are bullying and intimidation, damage to a top quality college and accountability for public funds. The staff, students and many others with an interest in education are telling the trustees and governors that an inquiry, openness and, above all, accountability are required.

I also have major concerns about the role of persons from outside the education sector. I have heard complaints that a governor from Treasury Holdings informed others that they were sitting on 43 acres of prime real estate. I have also heard that in July 2004 the president of the college was hunched over and crying having been abused by governors. These serious issues must be tackled head on and must not be swept under the carpet. Hard questions must be answered. I cannot tolerate a top quality educationalist being abused and shafted for asking difficult questions.

I thank and commend Brother Rory Geoghegan and others for speaking out about the treatment of staff at the college. He, too, suffered the consequences when he was moved to Africa. I call on the Minister for Education and Science and the Government to sort out this matter, which relates not only to a president of a college being bullied out of a job but to education, students, teachers, staff and public money. It is time for action and change.

See this speech in context