An action by a retired teacher against Co Monaghan Vocational Education Committee in which she alleged the VEC failed to provide her with a safe place of work has been settled, without admission or finding of liability, at the High Court.
Ms Mary McGrane (63), of Belgium Park, Monaghan, who taught at Beech Hill College and retired in 1999, had claimed damages for personal injuries. She claimed her health was damaged due to the negligence and breach of duty of the VEC, its servants or agents. She alleged emotional distress and stress was inflicted on her and also alleged defamation.
From October 1997 until her retirement in August 1999, Ms McGrane claimed she was subjected to bullying, harassment and infliction of emotional suffering.
She alleged failure to provide her with a safe and proper place of work and also claimed she was demoted from her position as head of the English department without being given any or any adequate reason. She further alleged failure to provide her with any or any adequate opportunity to deal with false allegations made against her, including an allegation that she had caused or contributed to the stress of a fellow employee.
It was also claimed that the VEC, its servant or agent, published or caused to be published a number of allegations relating to her to school staff, members of the VEC and the media.
The VEC had denied the claims and pleaded that if Ms McGrane suffered the alleged or any personal injuries, loss and damage, which was denied, these did not arise as a result of any alleged wrong on either its part or that of its servants or agents.
The case opened on Friday and was due to resume yesterday before Mr Justice Herbert when he was told it was settled on a confidential basis, without admission or any finding of liability. It was stated that the VEC was fully contesting the allegations made by Ms McGrane.