Enoch Burke Seeks Injunction to Halt Disciplinary Appeals Panel Hearing
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, teacher Enoch Burke sought a High Court injunction to stop a hearing of the Disciplinary Appeals Panel (DAP), which was scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026. The DAP is assessing the decision of the board of management of Wilson’s Hospital School to dismiss Burke. The dispute stems from incidents over a request in 2022 from the school’s then-principal to address a student by a new name and pronoun. Burke, who taught German and history at the school, has repeatedly argued the direction was unconstitutional and went against his right to express his religious beliefs.
Earlier in the day, the three judges of the Court of Appeal had heard arguments from Burke as he sought to overturn a High Court ruling that found his suspension from the school was lawful. In the High Court on Wednesday afternoon, Burke argued the DAP should not craft its decision until it is decided whether or not his appeal will be granted. He said his appeal raises “a serious issue of law and constitutional law”. Justice David Nolan instructed Burke to be produced at the High Court on Thursday morning and for the three-person DAP to be alerted to the hearing.
Two members of the disciplinary appeals panel hearing Burke’s appeal against his dismissal from Wilson’s Hospital School have resigned, as reported by RTÉ on February 4, 2026. The resignations followed legal challenges initiated by Burke against the panel itself, according to a letter from McInnes Dunne Murphy LLP. This effectively prevents the panel from continuing its review of Burke’s dismissal. The matter was scheduled to be addressed in the High Court on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Burke has been imprisoned multiple times, totaling almost 600 days, for civil contempt of court orders. These orders were issued in August 2022, requiring him to stay away from Wilson’s Hospital School. His initial suspension arose from a disagreement in June 2022 concerning a student’s gender identity and the use of pronouns requested by the school principal. The teacher previously succeeded in challenging the composition of an initial appeal panel, prompting the formation of the current panel that heard his case in early December. The panel was originally slated to deliver its recommendations on January 9, 2026.
Burke’s legal action initiated on January 6, 2026 sought an injunction to halt the appeal process. The High Court acknowledged the seriousness of Burke’s claims and temporarily released him from prison on January 14, 2026 allowing preparation of his case. However, Burke’s return to school property led to his re-imprisonment just days later.
Key Takeaways
- Enoch Burke sought a High Court injunction on April 22, 2026 to stop a Disciplinary Appeals Panel hearing scheduled for April 24, 2026.
Burke Court High - The dispute originated from a 2022 request to use a student’s preferred name and pronouns, which Burke argued violated his religious beliefs.
- Two members of the Disciplinary Appeals Panel resigned in February 2026 following Burke’s legal challenges against the panel.
- Burke has served nearly 600 days in prison for civil contempt related to court orders barring him from the school since August 2022.
- The High Court temporarily released Burke on January 14, 2026 to prepare his case, but he was re-imprisoned after returning to school property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Disciplinary Appeals Panel (DAP) hearing about?
The DAP is assessing the decision of Wilson’s Hospital School’s board of management to dismiss Enoch Burke, stemming from a 2022 dispute over a student’s gender identity and pronoun usage.
Why did two members of the Disciplinary Appeals Panel resign?
The resignations followed legal challenges initiated by Burke against the panel itself, as stated in a letter from McInnes Dunne Murphy LLP, which effectively prevents the panel from continuing its review.
How long has Enoch Burke been imprisoned for contempt of court?
Burke has been imprisoned multiple times, totaling almost 600 days, for civil contempt of court orders issued since August 2022 requiring him to stay away from Wilson’s Hospital School.
What was the outcome of Burke’s Court of Appeal hearing on April 22, 2026?
The three judges of the Court of Appeal heard arguments from Burke as he sought to overturn a High Court ruling that found his suspension from the school was lawful.
What did Justice David Nolan instruct regarding Burke and the DAP?
Justice David Nolan instructed Burke to be produced at the High Court on Thursday morning and for the three-person DAP to be alerted to the hearing.