asked the Minister for Education if he will introduce a programme of instruction in schools in the area of self-defence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Self-Defence Instruction.
18.
This is essentially a matter for consideration at local level in the context of the programme in physical education.
Having regard to the increased number of incidents of personal assaults, particularly crimes of rape, would the Minister regard a competence in the field of self-defence desirable?
This is a difficult thing to balance. When one trains people in the art of self-defence some of them want to get the opportunity of practising it. This can cause as much trouble as anything else. The new curriculum in the primary school does not encourage very much of what are called combat sports. We may be getting a little too sensitive in these areas but the teachers' handbook states that while many boys will participate enthusiastically in combat sports such as wrestling, judo and so on, care must be taken to ensure that physical or psychological damage does not occur. There is no mention of self-defence in the handbook. In general people try to equip themselves as best they can to defend themselves when it is necessary. With regard to the specific question I would not be competent to give a judgment.