I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 10 be taken before No. 2". This relates to a Bill I am seeking to introduce today on leave for injuries for teachers and special needs assistants in our classrooms across the country, namely, the Education (Leave for Injuries) Bill 2025. This Bill was drafted in conjunction with Fórsa trade union, the Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, and the campaigner Sophie Cole who is based in Carrigaline in Cork. Ms Cole suffered life-altering injuries in the classroom.

My Bill would seek to amend the assault leave circular that is currently in operation in the Department of education and it would provide for adequate leave for teachers and SNAs who experience injuries in the classroom. I acknowledge that these injuries are not the intention of the students and children involved but, unfortunately, they do happen. We need to make sure our classrooms are safe for children, teachers, SNAs and all staff in our schools. There is an increase in the number of people taking up assault leave, as it is called under the current circular. The INTO recently raised concerns in relation to this matter. Last year, 400 teachers experienced this and took this leave. It is important we address this matter and that the circular is amended. The State has a duty of care to all those working in our schools and the children and students who attend them to make sure people are safe and get the paid leave they need if they experience injuries.