Freedom of speech and religion in Ireland

[arbitron]

Security guard stationed at Wilson’s Hospital School as Enoch Burke continues to enter grounds

Reading the above article, it is striking how lucky this individual is to be pulling a stunt like this in Ireland.

I cannot think of many other places where someone from a minority religious group with such an abrasive approach would still be getting away with this.

They have free access to social media, feature frequently in mainstream press, appear regularly before the courts, and are still able to do their lonely protest at their former place of employment.

Amazing freedom of belief and expression really.

 

[Howth Head]

I'm sure Catherine Connolly would agree that Enoch is, "perfect for the job," having served his time and taken his punishment with dignity.

It's not like he did something harmless, like being convicted/jailed of a serious criminal offence.

Woman with criminal conviction 'was perfect for job'

Independent presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has defended her attempt to hire a woman with a criminal conviction saying she was "absolutely perfect" for the job.

www.rte.ie

The Journal.ie reported that Ms Connolly had sought to hire a former Éirígí member who had been sentenced to six years in jail by the Special Criminal Court for gun crime.

 

[Marsupial]

I cannot think of many other places where someone from a minority religious group with such an abrasive approach would still be getting away with it.

I cannot think of many other places where a dismissed employee would still be receiving his full salary a full 33 months after being dismissed by his employer. But hey! it's only taxpayers' money, so presumably Norma Foley couldn't care less.

 

[arbitron]

Yes, hard to believe they are still being paid. At least it's going back to the state in fines, so I don't think they are seeing a cent of it.

It would be very courageous of any politician to weigh in on this, it needs to work its way through the various processes, appeals, etc.

The security guard pay is coming from the school budget, frustrating for students and their families who are paying for that.

 

[JoeRoberts]

I thought the dismissal was still under appeal ? Hence he can turn up. And entitled to be paid. CC would probably secretly admire his sticking to principles as she does same !

 

[arbitron]

Hence he can turn up.

No, they are still defying the law.

Hire security to keep Enoch Burke away, judge advises school as he increases fines:

"A High Court judge has suggested that private security services be retained by Wilson’s Hospital School to prevent Enoch Burke’s continuous trespassing on school property in breach of court orders."

The fine is now almost a quarter of a million euro. The judge said the only reason they are not in prison is to avoid making Burke a martyr.

 

[JoeRoberts]

Ah well.

I admire him.

 

[Purple]

Ah well.

I admire him.

I feel sorry for him as I do for most people with irrational extremist views. That's tempered with a dislike of intolerance and a complete lack of compassion and basic human kindness of the part of Burke. Calling a child by a different name or gender; It's a very small hill to choose to die on.

 

[Marsupial]

I see on The Examiner website that an application to make Enoch Burke liable for the cost of employing a security guard* to keep him out of the school is to be made to the High Court by Wilson's Hospital!

If the school succeeds, we'll have a surreal, Monty Pythonesque situation whereby Burke will be paying €763 a week to the school to pay for the man who is being employed to keep him off its property!


* A security guard has been employed at a cost of €763 per week to prevent teacher Enoch Burke from getting into Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath, the High Court has heard.

 

[odyssey06]

If the school succeeds, we'll have a surreal, Monty Pythonesque situation whereby Burke will be paying €763 a week to the school to pay for the man who is being employed to keep him off its property!

I imagine a Kit Kit (heaven and hell) ad situation when they both take their breaks at same time...

 

[losttheplot]

He could apply for the job himself, I mean he's there anyway.

 

[rustbucket]

I wonder if he called in sick would a substitute be appointed

 

[Purple]

He could apply for the job himself, I mean he's there anyway.

By the time he paid employers PRSI on the money he's paying himself then employees PRSI, PAYE and USC on what he receives from himself he'd probably be worse off.

 

[Salvadore]

I already feel sorry for the security guard.

 

[rustbucket]

By the time he paid employers PRSI on the money he's paying himself then employees PRSI, PAYE and USC on what he receives from himself he'd probably be worse off.

Don’t forget he’d have to garnish his own salary to pay the fines he owes for turning up to work for himself

 

[Firefly]

I think I would be concerned as a parent, if a (clearly) disgruntled former employee was loitering outside (and sometimes entering inside!) his former school, where my child was attending.

 

[Purple]

I think I would be concerned as a parent, if a (clearly) disgruntled former employee was loitering outside (and sometimes entering inside!) his former school, where my child was attending.

Not in this case though. The worst thing he would do it try to give them homework. I've heard that he is an excellent teacher. It's a pity he's also a religious fundamentalist.