Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Department concluded its investigation into the disclosure made a number of years ago, and corresponded with the discloser at that time to inform them of the outcome. The Department corresponded in writing with the discloser’s solicitor on 25 May 2021, and directly with the discloser on 29 September 2021 advising of the outcome of the investigation.

The correspondence also advised that the Department worked with the school to support the school to address weaknesses identified in inspection reports and highlighted in the disclosure.

In accordance with section 24 of the Education Act, 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act, 2012) the board of management of a school is the employer of teachers. Matters of an employment nature must be addressed to the Board of the school in the first instance.

The discloser has been advised on a number of occasions to seek their own legal advice in relation to matters concerning their former employment which impacts on their pension. It is not within the Departments remit to arbitrarily increase the value of individual pensions. The pension benefits of teachers, as with all pensionable public servants, are governed by legislation and/or circulars and are in accordance with public sector pension policy.