Bill seeks to extend pay for SNAs injured in the classroom

Cork Labour senator Laura Harmon has introduced a bill to extend paid leave for teachers and SNAs who experience assaults in the classroom.

The Education (Leave for Injuries) Bill 2025 was introduced by Ms Harmon in the Seanad just before Christmas. This bill was developed in consultation with Fórsa, the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO), and Cork-based campaigner and special education teacher, Sophie Cole.

“My bill calls on the Government to amend and extend paid leave for educational staff who experience an injury or assault in the classroom,” Ms Harmon said.

“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.”

Cork teacher Sophie Cole, experienced an assault in her classroom in 2022 and has since suffered with complex regional pain syndrome.

“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,” Ms Cole said. “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."

"Unions have also welcomed the bill, with Samantha Flanagan, SNA and school representative with Fórsa saying: “For far too long, the existing assault leave circular has failed everyone involved.”

“Its language unfairly stigmatises children with additional needs; 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.”

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,” he said. “This bill is an important step in recognising the State’s duty of care to educators.”