We are very pleased to see that Deputy Eoghan Kenny will be introducing new legislation in the Dáil which focuses on strengthening the response to medical emergencies in schools.
The legislation is being introduced to coincide with International Epilepsy Day and has been inspired by Epilepsy Ireland’s ongoing campaign for Seizure Safe Schools – in which we have called for a more proactive approach to epilepsy in the classroom.
In late 2025, we wrote to every school in the country providing them with information about epilepsy; seizure first aid posters; and outlined the different services we offer to help support schools support children with epilepsy. Earlier this year, we also wrote to every Oireachtas member on the need for a more proactive approach to epilepsy in the classroom, as well as the Minister for Education. Our correspondence to the Minister can be downloaded and read in full via our website.
Deputy Kenny’s bill will help create a clear clearer framework for first aid and medical-emergency training in schools, promote awareness, and enable quicker access to life-saving interventions where appropriate. Deputy Kenny has described the bill as both personally and professionally significant. Many of our supporters will be aware that Deputy Kenny lives with epilepsy but may not be aware that he also worked as a secondary school teacher before taking his seat in the Dáil.
Commenting on his Bill, Deputy Kenny said, “Medical emergencies in schools are not hypothetical, they are a reality. During my own teaching career, I encountered situations where students required urgent medical assistance. It is inevitable that most teachers will face such a moment at some stage in their profession. We must ensure they are properly trained and supported when they do.”
“As a legislator, it is our duty to ensure protections are in place that safeguard our young people and those who care for them every day. This legislation is about preparedness, prevention, and peace of mind, for students, parents, and staff alike. With the right supports, training, and legal clarity, we can build a safer school environment for everyone.”
Given our Seizure Safe Schools campaign, Deputy Kenny had engaged with Epilepsy Ireland to update us on his plans to introduce this bill. Commenting on the news that the Bill will be introduced in the Dáil this week, our Advocacy & Communications Manager, Paddy McGeoghegan said, “We are very pleased to see Deputy Kenny bring forward this legislation which further amplifies how epilepsy and other medical emergencies can present in the classroom. Ensuring our teachers and educators are equipped with the information they need from the outset is the whole purpose of our calls for Seizure Safe Schools. The bill obviously expands to other medical conditions and not just epilepsy, but we are delighted to see legislation being introduced that could make Seizure Safe Schools a reality.”
“From our ongoing contact with Oireachtas members on the need for Seizure Safe Schools, we know there is broad support for what we are calling for – and we hope that there will be similar support for this new legislation.”
We look forward to seeing how the legislation progresses through the Oireachtas and will provide further updates on our website. In the meantime, we would like to thank Deputy Kenny for his support for Seizure Safe Schools by introducing this bill.
Further Information
- To read Deputy Kenny’s statement on the bill, visit the ‘Labour’ website
- To see our new campaign for #EpilepsyDay 2026, visit the ‘International Epilepsy Day’ page on our website
- To learn more about our schools campaign, visit the ‘Seizure Safe Schools’ page on our website.
- Should you need any information or support about epilepsy, please do not hesitate to contact your local Community Resource Officer. You can find their details by visiting the ‘Our Local Service’ page on our website.