Urgent need to amend assault leave for teachers and SNAs – Harmon
Speaking in the Seanad today (25.02.25) Senator Laura Harmon raised the issue of assault leave for teachers and SNAs in the Seanad as a commencement matter.
Senator Laura Harmon said:
“Teachers, special needs assistants and those working in our school communities must be adequately supported when incidents of assault occur. Speaking in the Seanad today, I highlighted the need to change assault leave for teachers and special needs assistants.
“Last year, around 400 teachers availed of assault leave following incidents in the classroom. But more must be done to ensure that financial assistance covers medical bills and any therapy that may be sought so that teachers and SNAs are covered for the duration of their certified leave.
“As it stands, the maximum leave that can be taken is three months to six months, but some people require longer time to recover.
‘’Take for example Sophie Cole, a special education teacher with a clear love and deep understanding for her profession.
“I had the privilege to meet Sophie and her husband Shane O’Brien last November in their home in Carrigaline Cork – a young couple, starting out on their married life together.
“Their world was turned upside down and inside out when Sophie experienced assault in the classroom in November 2022. Sophie’s experience is shared by hundreds of others across Ireland.
‘‘Three months after the assault occurred, Sophie’s assault leave entitlement ended and she had to use all her sick pay. One day, without warning, she received a letter in her door to say she would receive no further pay.
“Sophie lost her career, her wage, has incurred large medical bills and her husband has had to take leave sometimes to look after her. Meanwhile, the State has not stepped up to address the issue of amending assault leave.
“There must be proper information and adequate support systems in place for all teachers and SNAs.
‘‘Labour was the only party to have this in our general election manifesto because I think many people are not even aware of it and it is certainly the last thing an aspiring teacher thinks about. We need to do more to support our teachers and SNAs. I welcome that the Department will review this on 2025 but will be keeping the pressure on.”
Speaking today, Sophie Cole said:
“As a teacher who suffered a life altering injury from an assault in the classroom
“I was entitled to just three months Assault Leave pay. One of the most disheartening aspects of this issue is the lack of support provided to staff who have experienced assault.
“It is imperative that appropriate measures be put in place to support Teachers/ SNAs who have been assaulted in the classroom. This change is essential to support the well-being and financial stability of educators who face workplace assaults. Their sole focus should be on their recovery. They should not be in a position where they can’t pay their mortgage/rent, their medicall bills, and struggle to put food on the table.”