Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Neither the Minister for Education and Science nor the Government can wash their hands of this matter. Coláiste Mhuire Marino receives substantial Exchequer funding, taxpayers' money, which amounted to several million euro last year alone. The Minister has a duty to ensure this money is spent for the purpose for which it was provided, namely, primary teacher training. Serious questions have been raised in this regard and must not be left unanswered.

Ongoing unhappiness with the manner in which Coláiste Mhuire Marino is governed culminated in the resignation of Caoimhe Máirtín. Staff and students have been affected by the problem and some governors have gone so far as to resign. The institution, which is about to celebrate its centenary, has served our education system well. Unless the Minister takes steps to address this matter the problem can only escalate.

I understand that the issue behind the recent settlement involving Ms Máirtín related to bullying and procedures involved therein and that three other grievance procedures related to bullying behaviour by former or current members of the board of governors are progressing. I ask the Minister to give a commitment to have this matter investigated.

Who will pay the costs of the recent settlement and the legal fees arising on both sides therefrom? Will the Minister of State assure the House that none of these costs will be paid through Exchequer funding which is supposed to be spent on primary teacher training? I am disappointed the Minister or either of the Ministers of State in her Department are not present to address this matter. Will the Minister of State indicate whether an external audit has ever taken place in the college? If so, when did the most recent audit take place?

It is important that answers are given on this issue. Excuses which have been used about employer-employee relationships do not have a bearing on this matter, nor do they go to its heart. Much more is involved and I call on the Minister to ensure the matter is investigated immediately.

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