The Bank of Ireland has been directed to transfer €40,000 from the bank account of Enoch Burke into a Courts Service account within seven days as part-payment of nearly €80,000 in fines he owes for contempt of court.
The High Court converted a previous conditional order on Burke’s account into an absolute order, requiring the bank to execute the payment within a week.
Additionally, the court granted a discovery order sought by the Attorney General, compelling the bank to disclose further details of activity on Burke’s account.
Contempt of Court and Legal Proceedings
Burke, a former teacher at Wilson’s Hospital School in Westmeath, owes €79,100 in fines for repeatedly defying court orders by returning to the school after his suspension and dismissal. He has also spent over 500 days in jail for violating injunctions.
Currently, Burke is appealing his dismissal, though the hearing has been delayed pending the resolution of other proceedings in the Court of Appeal.
Court’s Ruling and Discovery Order
Mr. Justice David Nolan issued the initial garnishee order against Burke’s bank account last week. During a hearing, Burke failed to provide a reason why the order should not be enforced, leading the judge to rule against him.
The court also approved an application by Senior Counsel Brian Kennedy, acting on behalf of the Attorney General, for a discovery order against the Bank of Ireland. The request aims to determine whether Burke holds other bank accounts or if any assets have been moved since the fines were imposed.
Seized Salary and Courtroom Disruptions
A receiver has already been appointed to oversee Burke’s Department of Education salary, and the new financial disclosures may help determine whether the receiver’s remit should be expanded.
During the hearing, Burke repeatedly interrupted proceedings, attempting to argue that his suspension in 2022 was due to his religious beliefs regarding gender identity. The judge dismissed these claims, stating, “We have moved on from that,” and emphasizing that the court must enforce its orders.
Burke continued to protest loudly as the judge delivered his ruling, at one point telling the judge to “just grow up a little bit.” Another man in the courtroom also attempted to intervene, holding up a crest and demanding to make a submission.
Next Steps
The court was informed that Burke’s bank account contains €40,000, and the law permits a garnishee order against funds in credit. Burke accused the court of freezing his account and seizing his salary, but the judge countered that the fines were a direct consequence of Burke’s failure to comply with court rulings.
After delivering the judgment, the judge left the bench as Burke continued his outbursts. The case is set to return to court in two weeks.
