Assaulted teachers ‘need better support’ says Cork senator

A Cork senator has raised the issue of assault leave for teachers and SNAs in the Seanad, as a teacher spoke out about losing her wage following an attack.

Cork teacher 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 and 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 or rent, their medical bills, and struggle to put food on the table.”

Raising the issue, Labour senator Laura Harmon said: “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 teachers and SNAs are covered for the duration of their certified leave.

“As it stands, the maximum leave that can be taken is three 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. Her 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.”

Ms Harmon called for adequate support systems to be put in place for all teachers and SNAs, saying that Labour was the only party to mention this issue in their general election manifesto.

Minister of state Niall Collins said: “In exceptional cases, such as where a significant period of hospitalisation is required or in situations of a second or subsequent incident of assault, the leave may be extended for a further period not exceeding three months (91 days) at full pay, subject to an overall limit of six months (183 days) at full pay in a rolling four-year period.

“A teacher or SNA who has exhausted the maximum period of paid leave under the scheme for leave of absence following assault and who is still medically unfit to resume duty may avail of sick leave under the sick leave scheme, subject to the normal rules of that scheme.”

He added that the terms and conditions of the scheme “will be reviewed” in consultation with education partners this year.