'Tray bake' row teacher denies 'creating narrative' of discrimination over not being reappointed

A teacher at Kilmacrennan National School in Co Donegal is pursuing a discrimination claim before the Workplace Relations Commission, alleging she faced religious-based comments during her employment. The complainant has stated she was subjected to derogatory references relating to her marriage to a Protestant man, including being called by her husband's surname years after ceasing professional use of it, and being told she would be better suited working at a neighbouring Church of Ireland school. She claims she was not reappointed for the 2022-2023 academic year despite a male colleague receiving reappointment without interview, while she competed in an open competition. The school denies discrimination, contending both posts were filled through open competition. The case, heard at Letterkenny Courthouse, resumed following an adjournment of nearly twelve months. In cross-examination, the school's counsel challenged the complainant's account of events and suggested she had created a discrimination narrative after being dissatisfied with the reappointment decision. The tribunal is scheduled to resume in October for further hearing.