Enoch Burke seeks injunction to stop Disciplinary Appeals Panel hearing

By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

Enoch Burke has sought a High Court injunction to stop a hearing of the Disciplinary Appeals Panel (DAP), which was due to take place on Friday.

The DAP is assessing the decision of the board of management of Wilson’s Hospital School to dismiss Burke.

The dispute between the board of the Co Westmeath school and Burke stems from incidents over a request in 2022 from the school’s then-principal to address a student by a new name and pronoun.

Burke, who taught German and history at the school, has repeatedly argued the direction was unconstitutional and went against his right to express his religious beliefs.

Earlier in the day, the three judges of the Court of Appeal had heard arguments from Burke as he sought to overturn a High Court ruling that found his suspension from the school was lawful.

In the High Court on Wednesday afternoon, Burke argued the DAP should not make its decision until it is decided whether or not his appeal will be granted.

He said his appeal raises “a serious issue of law and constitutional law”.

Justice David Nolan instructed Burke to be produced at the High Court on Thursday morning and for the three-person DAP to be alerted to the hearing.