Department of Education reviewing threat protocols after ‘frightening’ emails sent to schools

Education officials are reviewing the protocols for dealing with email threats following recent "frightening" incidents where sinister emails warning about mass shootings or bomb attacks were sent to schools.

Education officials are reviewing the protocols for dealing with email threats following recent "frightening" incidents where sinister emails warning about mass shootings or bomb attacks were sent to schools.

The Department of Education has sought the advice of An Garda Síochána on two separate occasions so far this year after schools across the country received threatening emails.

It is currently examining the lessons learned from these incidents, according to minister for education Hildegarde Naughton.

"I understand that this type of threat is concerning for school communities," Ms Naughton said.

"My department always follows the advice given from An Garda Síochána in these circumstances, in the best interests of school communities and the staff and students concerned."

She added: "Officials in my department are reviewing the protocols in place to deal with incidents such as this and wider emergency planning measures as a whole."

"We will continue to work with school authorities and stakeholders if, and when, these issues arise and appreciate schools’ assistance in co-operating with advice given in such circumstances."

On October 14, more than 150 schools across the country received a threatening email claiming that an explosive device had been planted on the premises.

The message arrived as students were at home while school staff joined the public sector pay strike.

Some schools delayed their reopening the following morning, as An Garda Síochána assessed the "contents and credibility" of the message sent to schools. A number of premises were also searched as a precaution.

On Monday, October 19, up to 300 schools across Northern Ireland received the same "generalised email" which included an anonymous threat of an explosive device planted in their school.

The PSNI declared the incident a hoax.

In May, roughly 20 schools in Carlow received threatening emails just after 7am on a school morning, claiming there would be a mass shooting involving staff and children.

The messages caused panic, and some schools made the decision to close as a precaution. 

It followed a similar incident in Co Antrim, the week prior, where email threats were sent to six schools.

The PSNI did not consider those threats to be “credible” and launched a “malicious communications investigation”. 

However, while gardaí did not believe there was any credibility to the threats made in Carlow, the matter was referred to the Garda Special Detective Unit (SDU).

In February 2025, an email threat was sent to a number of schools in Co Clare. It was later declared a hoax.

In response to a recent PQ from Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central Pádraig O'Sullivan, Ms Naughton confirmed the department consulted with An Garda Siochana in both October and May.

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

"My department communicated this message to school management bodies and directly to schools."

Via parliamentary question, Mr O'Sullivan asked the minister about the number of schools that received threatening communications, and the guidance issued to boards of management for responding to such threats.

This is the second time this year schools have been hit with threatening emails, Mr O'Sullivan said.

"It's frightening for principals, staff, parents and kids.” 

He added: “I asked the minister how many schools were affected and I didn't get a number. I'm told the protocols are being reviewed, which is fine, but that review needs to be done quickly.” 

“Boards of management shouldn't be left working it out on the day. 

“They need clear guidance and proper backup from the department and the Gardaí.” 

“I'll be going back to the minister for the figures and a date for when that review will be finished.”