Clare Haven is calling for clarity on new legislation, which will see schools informed of domestic violence incidents involving their students.
It comes as Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has approved the drafting of legislation allowing for information sharing between Gardai and schools.
Under Operation Encompass, a child’s school will be informed the morning after an incident, if they have been exposed to domestic abuse in the home, allowing the school to provide immediate support.
The goal is to ensure children who experience domestic violence can receive understanding and care in a school setting.
A similar system was trialled in Northern Ireland in 2021 and fully rolled out across the entirety of the North in 2023.
Assistant Principal at CBS Primary Ennis, Colm Daveron says it’s a hugely positive development, which will help teachers cater to the needs of each student in their class.
Clare Haven’s Manager of Services claims ‘the devil will be in the detail’ when it comes to the legislation’s success.
Dr Siobhán O’Connor claims greater clarity is needed on whether legal proceedings will be required before Gardaí can make contact with the school.
She also believes that once legislation is introduced, additional supports such as extra counsellors will be vital to ensure the correct care is given to kids and to avoid teachers becoming overburdened.
You can listen to the full interview here:
