A senior lecturer at Trinity College Dublin, who was suspended by the college board after allegations were made against him by a student, has questioned the accuracy of a statement issued by the college on the matter.
Speaking to The Irish Times, Dr Seán Duffy, a lecturer in the Department of Medieval History, said the version of events outlined by the college neglected to take into account the fact that he had also lodged a complaint. There were, he said, "two sides to the story. I have lodged a formal complaint against the person who complained against me," he said. "And the investigation of that complaint is not yet complete."
A college spokeswoman earlier refused to comment on the complaints raised in the case. They are understood to centre around allegations of bullying and harassment in the college.
In a statement issued to the press, the college said it had considered a report from a disciplinary panel examining allegations against Dr Duffy by an unnamed post-graduate student, and the former dean of graduate studies.
"A number of charges were not proceeded with," the statement said. "Dr Duffy admitted to a further number of charges, and apologised to all concerned, and specifically to the post-graduate student."
According to the statement, the disciplinary panel recommended that Dr Duffy be suspended for six months on full pay. He will not be permitted to hold the position of head of a department or school, nor to serve as a faculty dean or as an officer of the college for four years.
Dr Duffy has until November 17th to appeal his suspension.
