Enoch Burke

The court made the order after being told that Mr Burke was in breach of both the terms of his paid suspension and the temporary injunction.

The ruling means Mr Burke will now have to answer the school board's claim that he is in contempt of the court's order. It is also claimed that he said that he could not agree with transgenderism, and said it went against the school's ethos and the teaching of the Church of Ireland. The school claims that after he spoke members of the congregation and students walked out of the school chapel where the service was being conducted. It is claimed that Mr Burke interrupted the service and said that the school's principal, Niamh McShane, should withdraw the earlier demand regarding the transitioning of the student. The order was obtained because the board claims that Mr Burke was not abiding by the terms of his suspension, which it is alleged he believes is unlawful, by attending at the school. The school said that it is focusing on the needs and welfare of its students and is affirming its policy in accordance with the 2000 Equal Status Act of not discriminating against any student. Counsel said Mr Burke believes that his suspension is "unlawful" and when approached by senior staff at the school his reply has been that he "is here to work". The school claims that despite its decision to suspend him, made at what counsel said was "a difficult meeting" he attended with his sister Ammi earlier this month, Mr Burke has continued to attend the school's campus. The judge initially said it was a matter for the gardaí as to when it would be possible to arrest Mr Burke and bring him before the court. The court made the order after being told that in breach of both the terms of his paid suspension and the temporary injunction Mr Burke was currently "sitting in an empty classroom" in the Co Westmeath-based school. She said that despite this Mr Burke remains "knowingly and purposely in breach of the court's order." A judge has ordered a teacher who objects to addressing a student with the pronoun "they" to be arrested by gardaí and brought before the High Court to answer his alleged failure to comply with a temporary injunction preventing him from attending or teaching at the secondary school where he is employed.

A judge has ordered that teacher Enoch Burke, who objects to addressing a transgender student with the pronoun "they", be arrested for alleged contempt of ...

Mr Burke will now have to answer the school board's claim that he is in contempt of the court's order. It says that Mr Burke, originally from Co Mayo, has not been sanctioned and no finding has been made against him by the school. It is also claimed that he said that he could not agree with transgenderism, and said it went against the school's ethos and the teaching of the Church of Ireland. In correspondence to Mr Burke, the school denied that anyone is being “forced” to do anything. It is claimed that Mr Burke interrupted the service and said that the school's principal, Niamh McShane, should withdraw the earlier demand regarding the transitioning of the student. He also claims that the school's request amounts to a breach of constitutional rights, the High Court heard. The order was obtained because the board claims that Mr Burke was not abiding by the terms of his suspension, which it is alleged he believes is unlawful, by attending at the school. If he continues to fail to comply with the order, he faces the prospect of being jailed in Mountjoy Prison. In light of that information the judge agreed with counsel that the case should be adjourned to Monday's vacation sitting of the High Court. Counsel said that the school’s sole objective from bringing the proceedings is to prevent any further disruption to students at the school. She added that Mr Burke believes that his suspension is "unlawful" and, when approached by senior staff at the school, his reply has been that he "is here to work". Mr Burke had been made aware of the court's decision to grant the order for his arrest, counsel added.

The High Court heard that the teacher was currently “sitting in an empty classroom” in the Co Westmeath-based school.

The school claims that last June a service and dinner was held to mark its 260th anniversary. Burke will now have to answer the school board’s claim that he is in contempt of the court’s order. It is also claimed that he said that he could not agree with transgenderism, and said it went against the school’s ethos and the teaching of the Church of Ireland. The school claims that she said she would speak to Burke at a appropriate time and place, and walked away from him. The school claims that after he spoke members of the congregation and students walked out of the school chapel where the service was being conducted. The order was obtained because the board claims that Burke was not abiding by the terms of his suspension, which it is alleged he believes is unlawful, by attending at the school. The school said that it is focusing on the needs and welfare of its students and is affirming its policy in accordance with the 2000 Equal Status Act of not discriminating against any student. Counsel said that Burke believes that his suspension is “unlawful” and when approached by senior staff at the school his reply has been that he “is here to work”. The judge initially said it was a matter for the gardaí as to when it would be possible to arrest Burke and bring him before the court. Counsel said Burke had also been made aware of the motion that could result in his incarceration and that despite this Burke remains “knowingly and purposely in breach of the court’s order.” The school board, represented by barrister Rosemary Mallon, claims that despite being served with and being made aware of the making of interim injunction Burke continues to attend at the school. Ms Justice Miriam O’Regan initially said it was a matter for the gardaí as to when it would be possible to arrest Enoch Burke and bring him before the court but this afternoon the court was told the order had not yet been finalised.