Cavan Monaghans support educational staff must have full support measures following workplace assaults - Cllr Sarah OReilly
Adequate leave for support teachers and SNAs in Cavan Monaghan who have experienced assault in the course of their work is an issue that must be addressed by the Dept of Education.
That’s according to Aontú Cllr Sarah O’Reilly, a candidate for Cavan Monaghan in the General election who says I have heard so many really difficult stories of these key educational support workers who have really suffered as a result of being assaulted in work.
“It is an issue that is not being addressed by the Dept of Education and this is really quite unbelievable given the serious effects of assaults and the fact that so many staff are out for work for weeks, often months. One particular worker that I’ve been made aware of has been out for around two years which is incredibly difficult for that person”.
“The Dept has to establish a comprehensive support system for educators who become victims of violence within the workplace, ensuring a swift and empathetic response to their needs”.
“It is vital that appropriate measures be put in place to protect these workers, including the provision of financial assistance that is granted immediately after an assault to cover expenses incurred like medical bills, therapy sessions and medication”.
“Also, the assault leave to support teachers/SNAs must be extended to cover the entire duration of their medically certified leave. It is currently just three to six months and that is definitely not long enough”.
