John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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305. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is aware of allegations of bullying and financial and professional misconduct as reported by a person (details supplied) under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014; the action he has taken to have all of the reported matters fully investigated; if the findings of such an investigation are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10231/16]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the allegations referred to by the Deputy. Central to the allegations is the non award of the Higher Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching) degree to the complainant in 2014.

Officials from my Department met with the complainant in early February 2016 and, subsequently, the Department established an independent investigative process with terms of reference which address all of these allegations. The complainant was consulted on the process including the terms of reference. The investigation is being carried out by Dr Richard Thorn, former President of Sligo IT.

Dr Thorn finalised an interim report which was circulated to relevant parties in late April. Following receipt of the interim report, the complainant furnished a medical certificate to him indicating her inability to engage with the investigation. On the basis of this, Dr Thorn informed her, inter alia, that he was suspending the investigation and the preparation of the final report but leaving the interim report stand on the basis that it was prepared prior to his receipt of her medical certificate.

Dr Thorn informed the complainant that he would resume the investigation and preparation of the final report if and when he received a medical certificate stating that she was fit to participate.