Union distributes facemasks to SNA’s

Union intervenes as union survey reveals inadequate provision of suitable face protection remains a problem in significant number of schools

Fórsa, which represents 11,000 special needs assistants (SNAs) nationwide has begun the process of sourcing and providing medical grade face masks directly to its members working in schools where local management has failed to provide them.

Medical grade face masks are pictured at Leinster House as Fórsa trade union made preparations to distribute medical grade face masks to SNAs who have not been provided with suitable face covering by their employers.
****NO FEE*** Photography: Conor Healy / Picture It Photography

The union this week secured an initial supply of medical grade face masks (EN14683 standard) for distribution to SNAs, following continuing concerns raised by Fórsa SNA members about inadequate provision of suitable face protection in their schools.

Jesslyn Henry, SNA and Secretary of Fórsa’s North Dublin North Leinster Branch; Shane Lambert, assistant general secretary for Schools, Fórsa’s Education division; Dermot Daly, SNA and Health and Safety Representative with Fórsa’s South Dublin South Leinster SNA branch, pictured at Leinster House as the union made preparations to distribute medical grade face masks to SNAs who have not been provided with suitable face covering by their employers.
****NO FEE*** Photography: Conor Healy / Picture It Photography

In a recent survey conducted by Fórsa, 22% of the 2,100 SNA respondents confirmed they hadn’t been provided with face coverings or masks that meet the required standard.