We are very pleased to see that a Dáil Bill introduced by our Seizure Safe Schools campaign has passed the first stage of the legislative process.
The Education Medical Emergencies in Schools Bill 2026 was introduced by Deputy Eoghan Kenny and aims to strengthen the response to medical emergencies – such as seizures – in our classrooms.
Our Seizure Safe Schools campaign is seeking to establish a more proactive response to epilepsy in the classroom. With over 10,000 children living with epilepsy in Ireland, it is beyond likely that a teacher or other educational professional will need to support a child living with the condition during their careers.
We offer a range of supports targeted at education providers and schools. However, our experience is that our interactions with schools are often reactive – resulting from a new diagnosis of epilepsy or due an incoming student with an existing diagnosis. Every year in September, our team are inundated with urgent calls from schools for information and support around epilepsy.
We believe policy changes are required to ensure that teachers are appropriately educated about epilepsy as part of their initial teacher training – and to have systems in place to have their training refreshed regularly over the course of their careers.
We recently wrote to every member of the Oireachtas on our calls in this regard, and also to the Minister for Education. Our correspondence to the Minister can be downloaded and read in full via our website.
As many of our supporters will be aware, Deputy Kenny lives with epilepsy and prior to his election, worked as a secondary school teacher. He has noted how his Bill is both professionally and personally significant, given these connections and lived experiences. You can watch Deputy Kenny introducing the bill in the video below, where he also speaks about his ongoing engagement with Epilepsy Ireland in this regard...
We are delighted to see that the Bill has moved to the next stage of the legislative process, unopposed by Government. We would like to thank Deputy Kenny for introducing this bill and look forward to continuing to engage with him – and indeed, all Oireachtas members as the legislative process continues. While there is a long way to go, we are very pleased to see legislation introduced which could make Seizure Safe Schools a reality.
We will continue to advocate for the need for Seizure Safe Schools and will provide further updates on our website and social media channels. You can learn more about this campaign by visiting the ‘Seizure Safe Schools’ page on our website.
As always, if you need any support or information on your or your loved one’s journey with epilepsy, please do not hesitate to contact your local Community Resource Officer. You can find their details by visiting the ‘Our Local Service’ section of our website.
Note for Teachers and Schools supporting a child with epilepsy
- Our “Education Information pack: A Resource for pre-schools, schools and colleges” can be found by visiting the ‘For Teachers’ section of our website.
- We regularly run Information Sessions on Epilepsy Awareness for Teachers and SNAS in conjunction with local education centres. Upcoming sessions can be found by visiting the ‘Events’ section of our website.
- We also offer accredited training in Epilepsy Awareness and the Administration of Buccal Midazolam. Further information on this can be found by visiting the ‘Training’ section of our website.
- Finally, seizure first aid posters highlighting the key words of Time, Safe, Stay can be found by visiting the ‘Seizure First Aid’ section of our website. Be sure to listen to our new seizure first aid song below!