Bill published by Cork senator would protect and compensate assaulted teachers

Cork Labour senator Laura Harmon has published a bill aimed at reforming the assault leave scheme for teachers and education staff.

The Education (Leave for Personal Injuries) Bill 2025 would establish standards for a scheme of leave for teachers and special needs assistants who are assaulted at work.

The bill, which has been drafted in consultation with the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and the Fórsa trade union, aims to provide clarity about time off for recovery, income, and job security.

It follows Cork teacher Sophie Cole speaking out about her experience.

“As a teacher who suffered a life-altering injury from an assault in the classroom, I was entitled to just three months of assault leave pay,” said Ms Cole.

She called for appropriate measures to be put in place to further support teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) who have been assaulted in the classroom.

“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,” Ms Cole said

Ms Harmon, the Labour Party’s further and higher education and disability spokesperson, said Ms Cole has complex regional pain syndrome — a debilitating condition that has “turned her life upside down” — as a result of her injuries.

“Sophie’s experience is, sadly, far from unique,” Ms Harmon said. “A staggering 60% of teachers reported experiencing physical aggression in the classroom, according to a recent INTO survey. These incidents include scratching, punching, and biting.

“Many teachers told the INTO they felt a moral obligation to stay in work, despite injury or fear, and that stigma, fear of professional consequences, and a lack of awareness prevented them from reporting incidents.”

Ms Harmon said that the current assault leave scheme is “not fit for purpose”, and that her bill would provide for time extensions and ensure renumeration for medical expenses.

“We know that children are not to blame for many of these incidents, but the State has a duty to ensure that teachers are adequately supported to manage complex situations in a safe, professional, and compassionate way,” Ms Harmon said.

“If the support schemes are not working properly, we will lose good, experienced teachers and worsen the recruitment and retention crisis facing our schools.”

A Department of Education and Skills spokesperson explained that the leave of absence following assault scheme provides for special leave, with pay, to a teacher who is unable to perform their duties due to a physical injury following an assault during school.

The leave is three months at full pay. In exceptional cases, where a significant period of hospitalisation is required or when there is a second or subsequent assault, the leave may be extended for a further period not exceeding three months.

Samantha O’Flanagan, Fórsa’s equality and campaigns officer, said the circular fails to reflect and support the complexity of the issues faced by SNAs and teachers in schools.

“The department has a duty of care to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of school staff,” said Ms O’Flanagan. “This should never be compromised by budget constraints. SNAs and teachers must be paid for the full duration of any medically certified leave.”

“We dedicate our lives to supporting children — we need the department to show the same dedication to supporting staff.”