139 primary schools were surveyed under the study and researchers learned that 133 of these schools had children with allergies, however there is no requirement for a school to have an Epipen nor is there a consistent policy in place to ensure the wellbeing of these allergens.
Researchers from DIT learned that teachers were not provided with adequate training on how to manage allergic reactions and the majority of educators were only shown how to administer drugs by a paramedic or parent.
Commenting on the findings, Orla Cahill, a Food Safety Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Environmental Health attested that 20% of all anaphylactic shock reactions take place at school and expressed concern for teachers who were unsure how to deal with situations that may present themselves, saying: "Teachers don't know where to go for advice as there's no government led policy and principals are fearful of the lack of guidelines."
As it stands, no teacher can be required to administer medicine or drugs to a pupil, with the Irish National Teachers Organisation saying: "A teacher who does take responsibility for administering medicines takes on a heavy legal duty of care to discharge the responsibility correctly."
The issue is being considered by the Department on Health, with a spokesperson saying: "The review will explore, among other things, the use of guidelines or protocols by means of which non-health professionals may supply and administer adrenaline auto-injectors without a prescription."
The mother of 14-year-old Emma Sloane, who died tragically in December 2013 after she had an allergic reaction to satay sauce, is campaigning for a change in the law which will make Epipens available in créches, schools and restaurants.
Arguing the case, Orla Cahil goes on to say: "Due to the increasing rise in serious allergies- especially among children- it's ludicrous to consider that there's no provision for children in schools."
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