Are schools closed on strike days?

Almost every primary school closes when teachers strike. A few may open if their staff aren't taking part, so check your school's text or app the day before.

What does work-to-rule mean for my child?

Schools stay open. Teachers aren't supervising before or after school, so children arrive when school starts and are collected when it ends. Some schools finish early on days with parent-teacher or staff meetings, with notice.

What about special needs assistants?

SNAs keep supporting children in class and walking them to transport. They won't attend training or planning meetings, or help with clubs and other extras, while the action lasts.

Will my child's after-school club run on a strike day?

Usually not if it's on school grounds, because staff won't cross picket lines. Check with the club, as fees may still apply.

School strikes and work-to-rule

Public service unions, including the INTO for primary teachers and Fórsa for special needs assistants, are taking action over a new public sector pay agreement. The last agreement ended on 30 June 2026. The Government has said it is willing to talk; the unions say there is no basis for talks yet.

Strike days

TodayWednesday 14 October 2026A one-day public service strike is expected to close almost every primary school. After-school clubs on school grounds are likely to be off too.Who: Teachers (INTO), special needs assistants (Fórsa) and other public service unions. Sources: INTO: strike days on 14 and 21 October · The Irish Times · Fórsa: education FAQs
In 7 daysWednesday 21 October 2026A second one-day public service strike. Most primary schools are expected to close again unless it is called off.Who: Teachers (INTO), special needs assistants (Fórsa) and other public service unions. Sources: INTO: strike days on 14 and 21 October · Fórsa: education FAQs

Check with your school too: a few may open if their staff aren't taking part. Get a notification the evening before.

Work-to-rule now

Special needs assistants (Fórsa), since Wed, 30 September

Support in class and walking children to transport carry on.
SNAs won't attend training or student planning meetings, or help with clubs, tours or open days.
Goodwill extras such as breakfast clubs can stop. Special schools are included.

Source: Fórsa: education FAQs

Teachers (INTO), since Mon, 5 October

No supervision before or after school, so children arrive when school starts and leave when it ends.
Parent-teacher meetings and staff meetings move into school hours, which can mean early finishes with notice.
Sports and other activities carry on as normal.

Source: INTO directive

Questions parents ask

Are schools closed on strike days?: Almost every primary school closes when teachers strike. A few may open if their staff aren't taking part, so check your school's text or app the day before.
What does work-to-rule mean for my child?: Schools stay open. Teachers aren't supervising before or after school, so children arrive when school starts and are collected when it ends. Some schools finish early on days with parent-teacher or staff meetings, with notice.
What about special needs assistants?: SNAs keep supporting children in class and walking them to transport. They won't attend training or planning meetings, or help with clubs and other extras, while the action lasts.
Will my child's after-school club run on a strike day?: Usually not if it's on school grounds, because staff won't cross picket lines. Check with the club, as fees may still apply.

On the parents' association? Running it during strikes and work-to-rule

Last checked 13 October 2026. We report what the unions, the Department of Education and national news say, and don't take sides. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected].