Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when an investigation will be concluded in respect of a matter (detail supplied): the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35005/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The inquiry to which the Deputy refers was established in February 2006 by my predecessor as Minister for Education and Science and relates to Kilkenny City Vocational School. The terms of reference are set out below.

I share the Deputy's concerns regarding the delay in concluding this inquiry. In view of the time that has elapsed since the establishment of the inquiry, the inquiry officer has been requested to provide an interim report, as provided for under the Terms of Reference. The Inquiry Officer has recently informed my officials that he has concluded the taking of evidence from relevant persons, and he expects to be in a position to furnish an interim report to me by the end of this year.

Terms of Reference

I, Mary Hanafin T.D., Minister for Education and Science, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 105 of the Vocational Education Act 1930, hereby appoint Mr Torlach O'Connor, retired Assistant Chief Inspector of the Department of Education and Science, to–

(a) carry out an inquiry into the performance by Ms Cathy McSorley, Principal of Kilkenny City Vocational School, of her duties as Principal of Kilkenny City Vocational School and such an inquiry shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, an inquiry into-

(i) the organisation and administration of that school in the area of human resource management,

(ii) the alleged failure of Ms McSorley to effectively apply the schools disciplinary policy,

(iii) the alleged engagement by Ms McSorley in the bullying of staff members of County Kilkenny Vocational Education Committee,

(iv) the alleged failure of Ms McSorley to comply with the lawful orders of the Vocational Education Committee as directed from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer,

(v) the administration of the school by Ms McSorley with regard to recording of the roll books in the school and the supervision of a foreign trip by the school in February 2001, and

(vi) the alleged payment by Ms McSorley to students enrolled in Kilkenny City Vocational School to attend such school.

(b) to report to me the outcome of the inquiry as speedily and in as efficient a manner as possible, having regard to the circumstances of the case,

(c) to provide an interim report if requested by me to do so.

The terms of reference may be subject to such addition or amendment as I consider appropriate.

Signed this 20th day of February 2006

_________________________

Mary Hanafin TD

Minister for Education and Science