Vol. 398 No. 2
58 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Education, in view of the alarming statistics in relation to teenage drinking, if she has any proposals to introduce drink awareness or educational programmes to school curricula on a regular basis.
The existing primary school curriculum already affords teachers adequate scope for dealing with such topics as the development of responsible attitudes to alcohol and I am satisfied that many of them do devote time to this topic.
As the Deputy is aware, the curriculum as a whole is being examined by the Primary Curriculum Review Body. I will consider the review body's recommendations in relation to this issue when I receive their report.
In the case of post-primary schools, substance abuse education, including education in relation to alcohol, is integrated in the curriculum. The matter features in relevant in-service courses for teachers. My Department co-operate with the Department of Health and with the health boards on specific projects in the area of health education, which include education in relation to alcohol. The question of what further support and guidance should be made available to schools is kept under review.
