Current and former staff at a Dublin teacher training college have dismissed as a ‘whitewash’ a statement released by the college which appears to clear it of allegations including bullying.
In the statement the Marino Institute of Education says a consultants report it commissioned exonerates it, finding no evidence of bullying or harassment at the college.
But the college is refusing to publish the report, citing legal and commercial reasons.
This has prompted considerable frustration among staff at the Institute’s refusal to let them see for themselves what this report says.
The report was commissioned amid controversy last summer after then president Caoimhe Mairtin resigned.
She had made allegations of bullying against the institute, allegations which ended in a High Court settlement of around €500,000 in her favour.
The college also confirmed that consultants did not contact Ms Mairtin, and that her case was not included in their remit.
Just a few months ago two more staff resigned, both cited bullying in the college as a reason.
But the college authorities are adamant that no such bullying exists.
