Time for Seizure Safe Schools – Kenny marks Epilepsy Day
Time for Seizure Safe Schools - Kenny marks Epilepsy Day - The Labour Party
- 10,000 children in Ireland live with epilepsy
Marking Epilepsy Day today, February 10th, Labour education spokesperson Eoghan Kenny TD said making schools seizure safe zones must be a key priority of the new Minister for Education.
Deputy Kenny said:
“Every person with epilepsy has a very different experience but it should never hold anyone back from doing or achieving anything that they set their minds to.
“I was vocal about my own experience of living with epilepsy during the General Election campaign. On the way to a radio interview, I experienced a seizure which felt like a set back, but thankfully, the people I was there with knew the signs of a seizure and understood what to do to help me.
“Days like this are important for raising awareness, but there are policy measures that must be addressed immediately by Government.
“Making Ireland’s schools seizure safe for the 10,000 children with epilepsy of school going age is also crucial. I know this first hand, both as a teacher and as someone living with epilepsy.
“Most teachers will support a child with epilepsy in the classroom at some point in their career. We need to make sure our school communities have the information and resources they need to support children in these cases. Moving to upskill our teachers on seizure first aid and epilepsy awareness needs to be a priority for the new Minister.
“Seizures can also affect children’s alertness and energy levels in the classroom throughout the day, so it’s vital that their teachers are aware of the potential learning issues that could arise from this so that every child has a fair start in the classroom.
“In the Dáil, I’ll be working to build a society where no person’s life is limited by epilepsy. Building awareness and equipping our schools with the skills they need is so important for this.”