During the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) conference in Wexford, serious concerns were raised about the safety of science education reforms under the Leaving Certificate. Delegates highlighted that 89% of schools do not have safe facilities to store chemicals and equipment needed for laboratory-based projects, which are critical to the new curriculum. In some cases, schools are resorting to using old telephone boxes for storage. The ASTI called on Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton to pause the introduction of new assessments that could jeopardize student safety. An independent report indicated that 70% of teachers feel unqualified to perform necessary risk assessments for these investigations, emphasizing the need for adequate training and resources. The ASTI general secretary warned that any directive against implementing changes could be interpreted as industrial action, underscoring the urgency of addressing these safety issues.