Carrigaline Teacher Inspires New Assault Leave Legislation for Educators

Legislation to extend paid assault leave for teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) has been drafted by Cork South Central Senator Laura Harmon, with key input from Carrigaline campaigner and special education teacher Sophie Cole.

The Education (Leave for Personal Injuries) Bill 2025, developed in partnership with the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and Fórsa, aims to offer greater financial protections to educators injured in the line of duty.

Carrigaline-native Sophie Cole has been at the forefront of this campaign since suffering a traumatic assault in her classroom in 2022. The attack left her with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a debilitating condition that has prevented her from returning to work for over two and a half years.

Sophie Cole pictured with her husband Shane O’Brien and Labour Senator Laura Harmon (middle)

Speaking about the Bill’s publication, Ms Cole, who taught in a special education setting, said:

“This proposed legislation is a critically important step in supporting teachers and SNAs who are assaulted at work. No one in our profession should be left struggling to cover medical bills or basic living costs during recovery.”

Currently, teachers are entitled to just three months of paid assault leave, regardless of injury severity. The new legislation proposes that educators continue to receive their full salary for the duration of medically certified recovery, easing financial burdens and offering more security.

Senator Harmon praised Sophie Cole’s courage and advocacy, stating “Sophie was let down by the State. After a life-altering injury, she was forced to worry about her income and basic needs instead of focusing on recovery. This Bill is about righting that wrong.”

The Labour Party and Senator Harmon are now urging the Government to support the legislation, which would also provide educators with clearer guidance on job security and recovery time following workplace violence.

The Bill arrives amid growing concern over violence in schools, with nearly 60% of primary school staff reporting experiences of physical aggression. Harmon believes the State must do more to protect and retain its teaching staff.

“We are not treating our educators properly in terms of workplace conditions and pay,” she said during a speech in the Seanad. “As a result, too many are leaving for opportunities abroad—we need to protect and support teachers here in Cork and across Ireland.”

As the Bill advances through legislative stages, Senator Harmon is inviting public engagement. The full draft can be viewed at: https://labour.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Assault-leave-28-April.pdf