Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his Department or an organisation or person he is responsible for, directly or indirectly, as Minister including but not limited to school principals, boards of management or agencies under his Department's authority or supervision has funded an investigation by private detectives or similar persons into the personal life or activities of a teacher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19711/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As a general principle, my Department does not fund or approve the employment of private detectives by schools or other bodies and institutions coming under its aegis. I am aware of a recent High Court action in which it has been alleged that the Principal of a second level school hired a private investigator to follow a teacher during the course of her work. The Deputy will appreciate that as the matter is currently before the Courts, I am unable to make any further comment at this stage.