Sophie Cole knew there were risks involved when taking up a role as a special-education teacher, but she felt the job was her calling. She went to clean up some water spilt by a student, who had complex special needs and was aged about 10. “My ability to work was taken from me. Cole then worked her way through the 183 days of sick leave teachers are entitled to during a four-year period, partly at full pay and partly at half pay. Harmon has introduced the Education (Leave for Injuries) Bill into the Seanad with the intention of supporting teachers like Cole.

Source: The Irish Times April 07, 2026 18:00 UTC