Senator Harmon introduces bill to extend paid leave for teachers and SNAs who experience assaults in the classroom
Senator Harmon introduces bill to extend paid leave for teachers and SNAs who experience assaults in the classroom - The Labour Party
Today the Education (Leave for Injuries) Bill 2025 was introduced by Senator Harmon in the Seanad.
This Bill was developed by Senator Harmon in consultation with Fórsa, the INTO and Cork-based campaigner and Special Education Teacher, Sophie Cole.
Senator Harmon said:
“My Bill calls on the Government to amend and extend paid leave for educational staff who experience an injury or assault in the classroom.
“Almost 60% of primary school staff have experienced physical aggression in schools. The enactment of this Bill is vital to ensure that teachers and SNAs are given support and receive the financial support they need should an injury occur. These injuries are not the fault of students and my Bill seeks to ensure that our classrooms are safe for all.”
‘‘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 educator thinks about. We need to do more to support our teachers and SNAs.”
Cork teacher Sophie Cole experienced an assault in her classroom in 2022 and has since suffered with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Sophie Cole said:
“I am deeply grateful to Senator Laura Harmon and the Labour Party for taking real, concrete steps towards providing necessary supports and meaningful change for Teachers and SNAs
who experience assaults in the classroom.
“No Teacher or SNA who suffers an assault should be placed in the position of worrying about paying their mortgage or rent, covering medical bills, or struggling to put food on the table. These are pressures that no injured staff member should have to face while recovering from a traumatic incident.
“This Bill provides essential financial relief immediately after an assault in the classroom, covering medical costs and related expenses, and ensures that Teachers and SNAs are paid for the full duration of medically certified leave.
“By removing the financial burden from Teachers and SNAs during their recovery, the bill rightly prioritises their well-being and highlights the importance of allowing them to focus solely on healing, without the added stress of financial instability.”
Samantha Flanagan, SNA and School representative with Fórsa said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to see the (Education) Injuries Bill being brought forward by Senator Laura Harmon and I’d like to thank her for giving me the opportunity to contribute to discussions on this along with Sophie Cole, Fórsa and the INTO.
For far too long, the existing Assault Leave Circular has failed everyone involved. Its language unfairly stigmatises children with additional needs, while at the same time the Circular itself fails to adequately support and protect SNAs and teachers.
“This Bill is an important step towards providing clearer, fairer protections for SNAs and teachers who are injured in the course of their duties while remaining more compassionate and inclusive to the children at the core of our work.”
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) General Secretary John Boyle said:
“Teachers should never have to accept physical aggression as part of their job, yet our research shows that incidents of assault are widespread, particularly in special schools and special classes, while very few teachers can access assault leave even when injuries require medical treatment.
“The current system is failing teachers emotionally, financially and professionally. This Bill is an important step in recognising the State’s duty of care to educators.
“While children are not to blame, teachers cannot be left to manage crisis situations alone. They must be supported and protected so they can work in a safe and supportive environment.”
ENDS
Link to the full Bill:
https://labour.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/LH-Bill.pdf