A school teacher who denies putting his hand on the testicles and backside of a fifth-class pupil during class has brought High Court proceedings against the Southern Health Board.
Mr Justice Geoghegan was told yesterday that the health board was willing to give documents to the teacher's lawyers, including a video, if the video was not copied and all documents were returned to the board. Mr John Finlay SC, for the teacher, said documents furnished by the board would be seen only by lawyers and experts acting for the teacher. He said the allegation had been made on November 30th 1995.
The board held a case conference on April 4th 1996 and the teacher was informed that the conference had concluded he was guilty. The board wrote to the teacher's wife and other teachers in the area.
In reply to Mr Justice Geoghegan, Mr Finlay said the board had carried out an investigation - what was called a validation procedure - and concluded the child had been abused.
Counsel said the teacher denied the allegations and, in the present proceedings, was contending that the health board's findings were improper and the investigation was not properly carried out. There were no other proceedings, neither civil nor criminal, Mr Finlay said.
Mr Bryan Murray, for the health board, said his clients had found themselves in an extremely difficult position on making documents available, because the person against whom the allegations had been made had sought the documents.
The health board's particular concerns had now been met with the undertakings given on behalf of the teacher.