Ceann Comhairle lobbied against education cuts
Outgoing Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue arrives home in Cahirciveen, Co Kerry, yesterday evening
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EMBATTLED Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue helped angry parents and teachers lobby Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe to reverse controversial education cuts.
Confidential documents obtained by the Irish Independent show that the Dail chairman sent eight letters to Mr O'Keeffe following last year's Budget cuts.
Mr O'Donoghue still holds clinics and deals with queries from constituents. While he is obliged to remain neutral on matters of policy, the Kerry South TD is entitled to pass on representations from voters.
But Mr O'Donoghue's level of political activity has come under substantial scrutiny in recent times and he has a political adviser, a parliamentary assistant and four secretarial staff working on his behalf.
He also helped publicans to lobby against a reduction of the blood-alcohol limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.
In the letters to Mr O'Keeffe, Mr O'Donoghue highlighted his constituents' rage at the removal of critical items like paid substitution for uncertified sick leave and the increase in the pupil-teacher ratio. And he asked for all of the concerns to be fully investigated by the Department of Education.
Impartial
The revelation will raise further questions about Mr O'Donoghue's role as the impartial chairman of the Dail.
Recently, his supporters insisted the "non-political" nature of his position as Ceann Comhairle prohibited him from publicly commenting on controversy surrounding his expenses.
They also claim that he is required to abstain from engaging in any political clashes while in the non-partisan post.
The documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) show he also battled for parents, teachers and principals. He inquired on the behalf of one principal, one teachers' group, two parents' groups and four constituents.
In all of the letters, he told Mr O'Keeffe: "I would be most obliged if you could have this matter investigated and I look forward to hearing from you at the earliest convenience."
On November 18, he wrote on behalf of teachers of Holy Cross Mercy School in Co Kerry.
In the letter, he pointed out the teachers had said if the cutbacks went ahead there would be "huge numbers" in classes, with up to 40 students in a class.
He again lobbied on behalf of people working in the education sector in a letter dated December 2. In it he inquired on behalf of a principal of a Kerry school, who claimed the school would not receive grants to start a new design and graphics course.
Last night, a spokesman for Mr O'Donoghue insisted he was still a TD and allowed to make inquiries on the behalf of his constituents. "He is an elected representative and it would be an abdication of his responsibilities if he didn't represent his constituents," he said.
- Patricia McDonagh
Irish Independent
