A RETIRED prison officer has claimed before the High Court two of his colleagues made racist comments about his Asian wife and children, describing them as “half-breeds”.
Edward Keenan, Blanchardstown, Dublin, has also claimed efforts were made by his colleagues to demean and belittle him over a period of several years.
He has brought an action over alleged personal and psychological injuries, mental distress and physical illness due to alleged bullying and harassment. It is claimed he retired prematurely in 2008 because of the bullying; he had been due to retire in 2014.
His proceedings are against David Power, Chanel Road, Coolock, and Thomas Somers, Kennellsfort Road, Palmerstown, the governor of Arbour Hill prison, the Prison Service and the Minister for Justice.
Mr Keenan told Mr Justice John Quirke yesterday that he joined the Prison Service in 1978. After serving in Cork and Mountjoy prisons, he took up duty at Arbour Hill. In 1985 he married his wife Vasanna from Thailand and they have three children.
He said the bullying and harassment started in 1987 with racist comments about his wife and children. They included: “You can get a wife in the Philippines for about $100” and they “are all toilet trained”. There were regular references to “rice” and remarks including: “I don’t like half-breeds.”
He told his counsel Séamus Ó Tuathail SC the comments were made in an effort to demean, belittle and make him feel small as well as to ridicule him and encourage people to upset him.
Mr Keenan said that over a period of years, he made various written complaints to the governor detailing the “campaign” of bullying, harassment, intimidation and abuse and seeking protection.
Mr Keenan said the governor in 2002 designated the assistant governor to supervise an investigation into the claims against Mr Power. Mr Keenan alleges it was decided the case against Mr Power was well founded and it was recommended it should be pursued as a disciplinary issue. Counsel for Mr Power said the investigation concerned had been “aborted.”
The hearing has been adjourned to March 22nd.