A Disciplinary Appeals Panel considering teacher Enoch Burke's appeal against his dismissal from Wilson's Hospital School in Westmeath in January 2023 has concluded.
The panel met with Mr Burke in Athlone today, while Mr Burke’s family also attended.
Mr Burke, who is currently in prison for contempt of court, was transported to the hearing by the Irish Prison Service.
A decision on Mr Burke’s appeal is set to be made at a later date, after the panel considers points made in today’s hearing.
Mr Burke was dismissed from Wilson’s Hospital School over his conduct following a dispute that began in May 2022, when staff were told by the then-principal to use they/them pronouns and a new name for a pupil.
Mr Burke said he could not do this and objected at a staff meeting and again publicly, at a school church service.
He was suspended and then later dismissed.
Mr Burke had made a legal effort to get today's hearing suspended, as he wanted an outstanding issue that is currently being dealt with by the Supreme Court to be ruled on first.
Yesterday the Court of Appeal refused his application to delay it, meaning it could go ahead today.
Mr Burke is still being paid by the Department of Education, pending the outcome of his appeal.
