The trustees of a Dublin teacher training college whose head resigned amid allegations of bullying, intimidation and psychological abuse have denied that any funds had been misappropriated at the college.
In a press statement last night, the trustees of Marino Institute of Education, which oversees Coláiste Mhuire teacher training college in Marino, also said they and the board of governors "are willing to stand over the financial administration" of MIE.
The head of the college, Caoimhe Máirtín, left her post last week after a settlement.
"In the light of recent media coverage, the trustees of Marino Institute of Education express full confidence in the integrity and professionalism of the board of governors," the statement said.
"Unfortunately, serious differences arose between the former head of college of Coláiste Mhuire and the institute. A settlement was reached.
"By mutual agreement the contents of the settlement are confidential."
However, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation called for a full investigation of the circumstances surrounding Ms Máirtín's resignation.
INTO general secretary John Carr said that because the Department of Education provides funding to the college, it had "a responsibility to ensure the money is spent as it is intended to be spent".
But last night the department appeared to back off from a full investigation.
In a statement, the Department said it did not have a role in staff management issues at Coláiste Mhuire, which last year received about €4.2 million in State funding.
Every year, about 150 student teachers per graduate from Coláiste Mhuire, which is part of the Marino Institute of Education run under the aegis of the Christian Brothers.
The department is set to examine specific claims raised in a letter by a Christian brother teacher at the college. In his letter, Br Rory Geoghegan claimed he was frustrated in his efforts to raise his concerns about the treatment of staff at the college with the congregation's leadership both in Ireland and Rome. He was subsequently moved to Africa.