Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher has met with his colleague Minister for Education Norma Foley to garner support for the progression of his Bill which will see teachers trained in occupational first aid and mental health first aid.
The First Aid and Mental Health in Schools (Initial Teacher Training) Bill 2018 will place a requirement on all trainee teachers to complete training in occupational first aid and mental health first aid before they take up a post.
Senator Robbie Gallagher commented, “I was delighted to meet with my colleague Minister for Education Norma Foley to discuss my bill that will see teachers trained in occupational first aid and mental health first aid.
“We need to ensure that our teachers are fully equipped to deal with the challenges facing them and that they in turn feel that they are getting the necessary support to cope with these demands.
“I believe that this legislation is the first step in a series of measures which are needed to train teachers to deal with new and emerging problems which they are being presented with in schools. I would like to thank the Minister for her time in meeting with and appreciate her support of the aims of the bill. I look forward to seeing action on the proposed legislation.
The proposed legislation will see all trainee and new teachers complete a course in occupational first aid response along with training in mental health first aid. The level of training can be decided by the Education Minister in consultation with the teaching unions and relevant groups. The Bill is currently in Committee Stage in the Seanad.