A primary school has been forced to give more than €12,000 to a
teacher who was discriminated against because she is not a Catholic.
Michelle
McKeever, a member of the Church of Ireland, was offered a permanent
post at the Knocktemple National School in Virginia, Co Cavan, three
years ago -- but the offer was later withdrawn.
An Equality
Tribunal awarded her €12,697 -- the maximum allowed.
It also ordered the
school to follow correct procedures laid down for the recruitment of
staff by keeping adequate records of all interviews and decisions by the
interview board and by ensuring decisions are properly minuted.
Ms
McKeever, who declined to comment last night, had applied for the job
in May 2007.
Shortly after, she was contacted by the school principal
and the chairperson of the board and offered a permanent post.
But
after a phone call in which Ms McKeever was questioned about holding a
Catholic religion certificate, the offer was withdrawn.
The
certificate is given to teachers from Catholic teacher training colleges
such as St Patrick's College, Drumcondra and Mary Immaculate College in
Limerick.
It allows them to prepare Catholic pupils for communion and
confirmation.
Ms McKeever contended that her religion became a factor in the appointment procedure.
The
Equality Officer concluded that the complainant's religion was
discussed and influenced the Board of Management in withdrawing the
offer.
The INTO, who represented Ms McKeever in the case, welcomed the
outcome.
Apology
Last night the
board apologised to Ms McKeever and said it deeply regretted the
distress caused to her.
It said proper procedures were not followed and
Ms McKeever was justified in perceiving that its decision was based on
religious grounds.
The statement said the board was now fully compliant with the equality officer's advice.
SIC: II/IE