Gardaí assess 'threatening' email sent to schools on day of strike

'An Garda Síochána has advised that any school that has received this email should ring 999 and report the threat to An Garda Síochána and cooperate fully with any Garda instructions.'

Gardaí are assessing the contents and credibility of a “threatening” communication sent to schools on Wednesday.

A number of schools across the country undertaking industrial action received the email, the Department of Education has confirmed. 

The message arrived as thousands of teachers, SNAs and school staff were on strike. 

Schools who received the message have been instructed to report the threat to An Garda Síochána. 

A spokesman for the Department said it was made aware that "a number of schools" received the threatening email on October 14. 

It has "consulted with An Garda Síochána regarding this matter", he added. 

"An Garda Síochána has advised that any school that has received this email should ring 999 and report the threat to An Garda Síochána and cooperate fully with any Garda instructions.

"The department communicated this advice to schools and boards of management, management bodies, and unions."

It expects schools "can continue to operate as normal unless otherwise advised by An Garda Síochána".

The department will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any further advice as required," he added.

A spokesman for the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) said the union "is not in a position to comment." He added:

"In any such cases, we advise members to report any concerns to the Gardaí and follow their advice. Any further queries on this matter should be directed to An Garda Síochána."

• Jess Casey, Education Correspondent