Vol. 431 No. 1
36 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any plans to develop a comprehensive environmental awareness programme in schools; if he will consult the Minister for Education on the matter; and if he sees a role for ENFO in such a programme.
, Wexford): My Department provides a widely based environmental awareness service through ENFO, which is extensively availed of by schools. Information packs on environmental issues are compiled and distributed to schools; school groups are encouraged to visit ENFO to view educational exhibitions and to use ENFO facilities; supplies of ENFO information leaflets are sent on request to teachers and students; and videos are given on loan to teachers. The ENFO centre is also made available for the presentation of teacher training courses on environmental topics. Each month, ENFO sponsor the placing of environmental inserts in school magazines which are distributed to approximately one third of all primary level school children. ENFO will continue with measures such as these so as to develop better links and support services for teachers and teacher centres and to facilitate teachers and students who wish to undertake studies or projects on the environment.
I am already in consultation with the Minister for Education about enhancing the environmental awareness dimension in the formal education of our young people.
