Minister reminds schools of safety leaflet obligation

It follows an allegation that Ulidia Integrated College failed to promptly hand out the publication which had been forwarded to all schools by the Department of Education following launch early in May.

The ‘Recognise and Remove’ leaflet was published after the death of 14-year-old Carrickfergus Grammar pupil Benjamin Robinson who sustained a head injury while playing a school rugby match in 2011.

Ulidia’s board of governors has been asked for clarification over the issue by Benjamin’s family.

His parents Karen and Peter have been to the fore in raising awareness of the dangers associated with concussion and have highlighted the issue to politicians in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

However, Ulidia College has insisted that the school had planned to distribute the leaflets in September alongside a “constructive educational programme on the subject of concussion, to complement that which had already been successfully delivered to governors, staff and pupils”.

Eugene Martin, principal of the college, said: “Following a request from Benjamin’s family, they were distributed to current students on June 17. Those students who are on study leave will receive their copy by post.

“On June 19, all schools received a letter from the minister requesting that the leaflet be distributed before the end of term. Ulidia is adhering to this guidance.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: “In his letter, the minister has asked principals and board of governors to ensure that the distribution of the leaflets to all pupils is completed as quickly as possible – before the end of the school term in advance of the Summer break.”