Richard Bruton
Question:199 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she plans to include drug prevention as a compulsory element in the school curriculum for both primary and secondary schools.
Written Answers. - Drug Prevention.
The existing primary school curriculum already affords teachers scope for dealing with such topics as the development of responsible attitudes to drugs.
As the Deputy is aware, I have been presented recently with the report of the primary curriculum review body. The views of all interested parties on the report are being sought at present. Pend ing full examination of the report and of the views submitted I do not propose to make any statements on the future content of the primary school curriculum.
In the case of post-primary schools, substance abuse education is integrated in the curriculum. The matter features in relevant inservice 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 substance abuse education. The question of what further support and guidance should be made available to schools is kept under review.