Education Minister Graham Cregeen has been cleared of bullying following an independent investigation.

But the review into the conduct of Mr Cregeen does conclude he made some ’errors of judgement’ and ’demonstrated a lack of awareness of the sensitivities of others’.

This did not constitute bullying, however, the investigating officer found.

The review was launched following a complaint made in July by the National Association of Head Teachers which accused the Minister for Education, Sport and Culture of ’institutional bullying’.

It is understood the accusations refer to meetings held in April and July, where the conduct of the minister to union representatives was questioned.

Mr Cregeen (pictured) said: ’I am pleased that the investigation has confirmed no bullying has taken place but I am sorry if any comments made were misunderstood.’

Chief Minister Howard Quayle said he hoped a line could be drawn under the issue.

He said: ’This was a serious accusation and quite rightly I asked for an independent review.

’I have discussed the matter with Minister Cregeen.

’Whilst mistakes have been made, the independent reviewer has made it clear that there was no evidence of bullying.

’This draws a line under the issue and we look forward to working with the unions as we introduce the Education Bill back into the branches.’

We have asked the NAHT for a response.

A spokesman for the Cabinet Office said the independent report would not be made public. Earlier this month, a Freedom of Information request by Isle of Man Newspapers for the report to be released was refused.

The Cabinet said the release of personal information was ’absolutely exempt’ under section 25 of the FoI Act, and ’therefore not subject to the public interest test’.

The response to our request read: ’This exemption is engaged as it covers any reference to personal data of which you are not the data subject.

’The Cabinet Office can only disclose the information where it would be fair, lawful and meet one of the conditions for lawful processing. None of those conditions have been met.’

Isle of Man Newspapers has appealed the Cabinet Office’s decision and is awaiting its response.