College governors 'were warned of teacher unease'

Thursday May 5th 2005

THE governing body of a crisis-hit Dublin college of education was warned six weeks ago of serious disaffection and alienation by both academic and administrative staff on the campus.

Addressing the meeting, a staff member in Colaiste Mhuire, Marino, said some governors were dubious about the existence of disaffection at all. A sample of staff views was then presented to show how widespread the unease was.

One member was quoted as expressing deep hurt over remarks made by some governors and concern about their educational agenda. Another was appalled at the manner in which an administrative appointment was made, allegedly without the post being advertised.

A further staff member asked why the governing body had "denigrated" the role of the president of the college, Caoimhe Mairtin, who resigned last Friday.

Another complained of negative attitudes towards the Irish language and alleged that a grievance written in Irish was sent back for translation into English.

A member of the administrative staff on a basic salary said they had been assured of a raise which was not forthcoming.

One staff member said the recommendation for the governing body was "For God's sake, listen". Another wrote that as there was no protection for "whistle blowers" in Marino they would prefer not to be identified.

Meanwhile, the Christian Brothers moved to limit the damage done by the leaked letter sent by a member of the congregation, Brother Rory Geoghegan, in which he strongly criticised the "abuse" and unprofessional treatment of staff at the college.

The congregation said that at no time was Br Rory a member of the board of governors and therefore was not privy to efforts made at that level to resolve the issues to which he referred in recent media reports.

"Brother Rory, after long consultation with the leadership of his province and with his community, requested to go to Zambia for a two-month period. The Christian Brothers, out of ongoing pastoral concern, are reluctant to conduct in the public arena what are essentially private matters concerning their members," a statement said.

However, Br Geoghegan is unrepentant and in a message to staff says that "the despicable manner in which I have been treated has not silenced me; indeed, it has made me more determined than ever to see a just outcome to the crisis in Marino". He concludes by saying: "It is time to stand up and be counted."

Students announced that they would protest today against the "forced" resignation of the Ms Mairtin. They will also call for an investigation into the use of state resources in Marino.

It is understood that the Marino Institute of Education, of which the college is part, is preparing a detailed press release in response to some of the issues raised.

John Walshe
Education Editor

? Irish Independent