A Teaching Council fitness-to-teach committee has found a former physical education teacher at a special needs school guilty of professional misconduct following an inquiry into inappropriate contact with a student.

Fergal McCarthy, chairperson of the disciplinary panel, confirmed that five factual allegations against the teacher were proven. The inquiry heard that the incidents took place in May 2025 and involved a 19-year-old female student attending the special school.

The proven allegations established that on May 13, 2025, the teacher hugged the student, placed his arms around her waist, and lifted her. On May 16, 2025, he again hugged the student, kissed her on the cheek and lips, and stroked her cheek. The committee also found that the teacher instructed the student not to tell anyone, in an attempt to keep the contact secret.

Furthermore, the panel concluded that the teacher sought to pursue an inappropriate relationship with the student through physical contact and text messages containing innuendo. The student, who is now in further education, provided evidence regarding the interactions during the proceedings.

Delivering the findings, McCarthy stated that the teacher had breached provisions of the Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers, abused his position of trust, and brought the teaching profession into disrepute. He noted that the conduct undermined the trust and confidence parents place in educators and fell far below the standards expected of teachers. A subsequent hearing will be scheduled to determine the sanction to be imposed.