asked the Minister for Health if he will consider making provision for the giving of lectures in all post-primary schools by local doctors and chemists on the dangers of drug abuse and addiction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drug Danger Lectures.
4.
The general question of education in relation to the abuse of drugs is at present under active examination by the working party on drug abuse.
I hope to receive their recommendations in the near future.
Would the Minister ask the working party to give consideration to this suggestion of a relatively inexpensive way of giving lectures on the danger of drug abuse and addiction?
I am afraid it is more complicated than that. There are differences of opinion among people, of opinion not of the permissive category, as to the method of giving talks in schools and even as to the advisability of giving them at all. Very leading authorities have expressed differences of opinion. I shall be very interested to receive the report of the working party.
The Minister said there are differences of opinion. Would it not be advisable to discuss the dangers, not necessarily the subject itself? Does he not agree there is a demand from parents for this type of education? I respectfully ask the Minister to put this to the working party.
I am awaiting the report. There is far from unanimity.
Is the difference of opinion in regard to the teaching or is it on the subject matter?
It is on the method of teaching and even the desirability of it in present circumstances because widespread lectures might induce a morbid attitude of mind among certain types of pupils.