The case of a science lecturer who was suspended from his duties at Letterkenny Institute of Technology came before an inquiry yesterday.
John Riney of Main Street, Milford has been a lecturer in biochemistry at Letterkenny Institute of Technology for over 30 years. He was suspended from his post after he was convicted of assault in the District Court.
Letterkenny Institute of Technology is seeking to dismiss Mr Riney. It alleges Mr Riney failed to teach several classes, refused to submit or mark continuous assessments and was absent without authority in 2002.
Two convictions for assault and Mr Riney's subsequent imprisonment for non-payment of fines were also cited at the inquiry, which is chaired by Mr Niall Beirne.
Calling the inquiry a "kangaroo court", Mr Riney said he had no case to answer.
Solicitor Séamus Given gave evidence of a 400-page document posted to Mr Riney on April 22nd, outlining the case against him. Mr Riney said he had not received it and the hearing was adjourned to allow it to be photocopied and handed to Mr Riney.
Heated exchanges took place between Mr Riney and lawyer Peter Nolan when the science lecturer refused to recognise the authority of the inquiry.
In reference to the legal argument put forward by the lecturer, Mr Nolan said Mr Riney was "wandering around like a butterfly in a field of daisies not knowing which one to light on".
The Department of Education said last night the inquiry had been set up in accordance with the Vocational Education Acts 1930 and 1944. It looks at an individual's fitness to hold office and is set up by the Minister. The barrister who conducts the inquiry reports back on the findings to the Minister, who then makes the decision.