The aim of this petition is to seek clarity on issues that have resulted in the dismissal of Teddy Burns in February 2009 and the banning of both Doreen and Teddy burns from the grounds of The Tyrone Guthrie centre. In February 2009 Doreen Burns who had worked at the centre for thirty years was made redundant. The following month her husband Teddy Burns was dismissed from his position after twenty six years on grounds of professional misconduct and accusations of theft. Both Teddy and Doreen Burns have been banned from ever stepping onto the grounds of the centre again. Due to these recent events a meeting was organised by concerned community members at the Acorn community hall on the 17.08.09 in the local town of Newbliss. The premise of this meeting was to discuss the treatment of staff at the centre. At the meeting a petition was established with regards to the treatment of Doreen and Teddy Burns at the centre. The first community meeting attended by one hundred and seven people in total concluded with two main concerns. 1. The community are not willing to accept the outcome of Teddy Burn’s dismissal without first being assured that proper professional procedures pertaining to such serious and sensitive accusations have been followed. 2. The community are not willing to accept the present situation of both Teddy and Doreen Burns being barred permanently from the grounds of The Tyrone Guthrie centre without first being presented with the justification of such actions with reference to the fact that they reside only five hundred yards from the centre. Relating to these two factors a petition was circulated at the end of the meeting and around the local area over the following days. To date over five hundred and fifty signatures have been attained for this petition by the community. These are family, friends and neighbours whom have known the Burns all their lives and are outraged at their treatment by the Tyrone Guthrie centre after thirty years of service. Teddy Burns is pursuing his case legally through the labour courts which may take years during which he is out of work and his reputation has been severely tarnished. If you are familiar with the centre and the past and present staff your support on these matters would be greatly appreciated. We must emphasise that both the artistic community and the local communities in Monaghan whom have had a history and an interest in the affairs Of the Tyrone Guthrie centre must take collective ownership and responsibility with regards to these matters. Once both of these petitions have been circulated and compiled consultations will be sought with the political representatives in the county of Monaghan on how best to move forward with these issues. Thank you, The Committee of Annamakerrig.