Coronavirus: Parent of sick child takes legal action against Education Minister to close schools

A statement, issued on behalf of the child’s mother - through Phoenix Law - said: “We have today put the Minister of Education, the Minister of Health, the Education Authority and the CCMS on notice of our intention to apply for emergency judicial review of the current position with regards to the decision not to close schools across the jurisdiction. 

“We are instructed by the mother of a child who attends a primary school in County Armagh.”

They said their client’s daughter suffers underlying respiratory health problems and is at a greater risk of harm should she contract the Coronavirus. 

“It is our client’s case that the current position is unlawful and contrary to the necessary protections afforded to all citizens under the human rights act. 

“For these reasons, we have been instructed to put the various public bodies on notice of our intention to apply for judicial review.”

Darragh Mackin, Solicitor at Phoenix Law who acts for the mother said: “It is clear that the respective public bodies have each failed in their respective obligations to our client, and indeed all children, by continuing to require their attendance at school in circumstances in which they would be at an increased risk of contracting the condition.

“There is no time for any further delay.

“The necessary policies and decisions all need to be taken

in a manner that recognises the real and immediate risk.

“The wider international community has spoken. Their advice cannot and should not be ignored.”