McCarthy tells Ruane - our teachers need to be protected from assault

3.59.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 18th Jun 2007

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has demanded that teachers be given more protection against assaults in schools. During oral questions to the Education Minister today, he asked Caitríona Ruane what consideration has been given to adopting similar protocols in schools as those now operational in hospitals, to protect staff from assault.

Opposition MLA, Mr McCarthy, said: "It is vitally important that we create laws to ensure that teachers are given more protection against assault.

"We have heard so many horror stories regarding brutal attacks on our teachers. They do an excellent job in our schools and deserve the best possible provisions to secure their safety in the workplace.

"Our teachers must be allowed to get on with the vital work they do without fear of assault. This is about protecting everyone in schools and such legislation must be enacted as soon as possible.

"We need to provide protection similar to that afforded to healthcare staff in our hospitals. The Minister must act as a matter of urgency to create the legislation necessary to do this."

ENDS