The High Court has prohibited Martina Burke, Ammi Burke and Dr Isaac Burke from physically attending future High Court hearings connected with Enoch Burke's dispute over his dismissal from Wilson's Hospital School and related proceedings involving the Teaching Council.
Mr Justice Cregan made the order on July 22 after finding that the three had repeatedly interrupted hearings, refused directions to remain quiet or leave court, and had on numerous occasions required Garda removal from the courtroom.
The judge said the High Court has an inherent power to maintain order and exclude individuals whose conduct interferes with the administration of justice. He rejected the Burkes' argument that the constitutional requirement for justice to be administered in public gave them an individual right to remain physically present regardless of their behaviour.
The ruling does not make Enoch Burke's cases private. Cregan J said hearings will continue in public and other members of the public may attend. Martina Burke, Ammi Burke and Isaac Burke will instead be given facilities to watch and listen remotely.
The court had first raised the possibility of such an order in March 2026. The three submitted written objections and were subsequently given further opportunities to make submissions before the July ruling.
Cregan J referred to repeated incidents since October 2025 and said interruptions had delayed other cases and required Garda attendance when Enoch Burke's matters were listed. He also noted that Martina Burke and Ammi Burke had previously been found in contempt and sentenced to two weeks' imprisonment in a related case.
The order is limited to High Court proceedings directly or indirectly connected with Enoch Burke's dismissal from Wilson's Hospital School, his dispute involving the Department of Education or Minister, disciplinary panel members, or proceedings involving the Teaching Council. It does not determine whether similar restrictions should apply in the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court.
Any breach of the High Court order may be treated as contempt of court.