Parents say Cork gaelscoil children were 'confused and distressed' after students were removed

Children in a Cork city Gaelscoil were left “confused and distressed” after a mass withdrawal of students, some parents have claimed.

In letters to the Department of Education, parents also criticised what they said was poor communication at the time from the school’s board of management.

On Friday, April 17, a group of parents removed nearly 100 children from Gaelscoil Pheig Sayers, on Redemption Rd, due to concerns over health and safety.

The children almost immediately returned to the school, which is being led on an interim basis by the former deputy principal. 

Principal Adrian Breathnach is out on stress leave, due to accusations that he was under the influence of alcohol during the school day.

Breathnach said in a statement issued to The Echo at the time that he had been the victim of an “orchestrated campaign” after forgetting to bring his vertigo medication to school, leaving him disorientated, and that allegations that he was under the influence of alcohol were “completely untrue and unfounded”.

Multiple emails from “concerned parents” were sent to the board of management and Department of Education on April 17, seeking clarification on the situation.

One of these emails, provided to The Echo after a Freedom of Information request, said that “a significant number of pupils were withdrawn from the school during school hours following communication circulated on social media referring to a ‘health and safety’ issue.

“Parents who were not aware of this beforehand were left uncertain and concerned as to the nature of any potential risk and whether it was necessary to collect their children.

“Children who remained in the school experienced a level of disruption and anxiety.”

Another parent also criticised the board of management’s communication on the matter.

“Effective communication is essential, particularly where issues relating to student welfare arise, and parents should never be left to learn of such matters through unofficial channels.”

The parent said: “Many parents became aware of today’s events through social media rather than official communication from the school. This caused significant distress and anxiety.

Another parent said: “We feel it is important to formally outline concerns and request immediate clarity and engagement from the Board.

“We also want to emphasise that we cannot express strongly enough how excellent the teachers in the school are. We would not want this situation to be seen as any reflection on their dedication, professionalism, or the care they show our children on a daily basis.”

The emails provided to The Echo by the department all called for a meeting for parents to be arranged as a matter of urgency.

A department of education spokesperson said they did not comment on individual cases.

The board has not responded to a request for comment from The Echo.