Gardaí investigate alleged assault of school secretary by intruder in Cork school

Gardaí confirmed they received a report of an assault at a premises in the Blackrock area on Friday at 10am. File picture

Gardaí are investigating an alleged assault of a school secretary after an intruder gained access to a school premises in Cork City last week.

The woman in question later received treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.

Fórsa, the union representing school secretaries, expressed serious concern about the incident, and has called for an urgent review of the security arrangements in schools.

On Monday, gardaí confirmed they received a report of an assault at a premises in the Blackrock area on Friday at 10am.

It is understood an unknown man gained access to the school grounds, and the school secretary was injured while the man was fleeing the scene. 

“Investigations are ongoing,” a Garda spokesperson said.

The attack underlines the very real risks faced by public-facing staff in schools and other public services, Fórsa said.

“As a trade union Fórsa is naturally focused on the health and safety of its members in the workplace,” said Andy Pike, Fórsa’s head of education.

“This incident serves as a reminder to all stakeholders, the Department of Education, boards of management, parents and students and other trade unions, about the need for consistent and effective safety measures in school buildings.

“Basic protections such as secure entry systems, controlled access to reception areas, and properly maintained CCTV are not in place in every school, despite the necessity to protect staff from wilful or opportunistic attacks,” he added.

Fórsa would be raising the issue with the Department of Education, and urging an urgent review of security arrangements in schools, Mr Pike said.

This should include “a proper assessment of access controls, the availability of CCTV where appropriate, and clear procedures for dealing with intrusions or threatening behaviour", he added.

“No worker should feel unsafe simply for doing their job. This incident must serve as a wake-up call that more needs to be done to safeguard school staff and other public-facing workers across Cork and beyond.”