A retired teacher has taken an action for damages against Co Monaghan Vocational Education Committee over its alleged failure to provide her with a safe place of work and alleged failure to give her a proper, or any, opportunity to deal with allegations made against her.
Ms Mary McGrane (63), Belgium Park, Monaghan, who taught at Beech Hill College for 25 years until her retirement in August 1999, is claiming damages for personal injuries and loss and damage to her health caused by the alleged negligence and breach of duty of the defendant, its servants or agents by the infliction of emotional distress on her.
She is also seeking damages for alleged defamation.
Ms McGrane claims that during the period from October 1997 until her retirement she was subjected to bullying, harassment and infliction of emotional suffering. She also claims that the actions of the defendant, its servants or agents caused her stress.
In its defence, the VEC denies the claims and pleads that if Ms McGrane suffered the alleged or any personal injuries, loss and damage, which is denied, they did not arise as a result of any alleged wrong on its part or that of its servants or agents as alleged.
Ms McGrane submits that there was a failure to provide her with a safe and proper place of work; that she was demoted from her position as head of the English department without being given any or any adequate reason; and that there was a failure to provide her with any or any adequate opportunity to deal with false allegations made against her, including an allegation that she had caused or contributed to the stress of a fellow employee.
It is also pleaded that there was a failure to allow her any or any adequate representation when dealing with such allegations and that there was an undermining of her professionalism not only with teachers but also in the community.The hearing, before Mr Justice Herbert, continues on Tuesday.