Harmon calls for support for teachers injured at work
Harmon calls for support for teachers injured at work - The Labour Party
- Seanad to debate Labour Bill on Wednesday 18th February
Labour Senator Laura Harmon has called on Government Senators to support Labour’s Bill to amend Injury Leave for those working in school communities.
The Education (Leave for Injuries) Bill 2025 would extend paid leave for education staff who experience an injury in the classroom.
Speaking in advance of the debate, Senator Harmon has urged Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to support this legislation, which has support from Fórsa and the INTO.
Senator Harmon said:
“This is a really critical piece of protection that those working in classrooms across the country need. A survey of INTO members in 2024 revealed that around half of primary schoolteachers have experienced physical aggression in schools, and this bill is about ensuring teachers have support should an injury occur.
“Teachers and SNAs need a guarantee that they will receive financial support for the duration of the period they are recovering from injury. Those working in our school communities deserve the backing of Government to ensure they feel supported and protected.
“I have been particularly proud to work with Sophie Cole, a special education teacher from Cork, who experienced an injury in the classroom in 2022 and now lives with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Sophie has been campaigning on the need for these protections, and her work informed Labour’s General Election manifesto to include this provision.
“Concrete steps are needed to ensure that everyone across school communities have the necessary supports in these cases. No teacher or SNA who experiences an injury at work should be left in the position of worrying about paying rent or mortgages, how they will face their medical bills, or put food on the table.
“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. I am calling on all Senators to support Sophie and her colleagues by passing Labour’s Bill on Wednesday. Let’s make sure that our educators have the workplace protections that they need, that they are supported and protected to work in a safe environment.”