Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 4

Written Answers. - Substance Abuse.

Peter Barry

Question:

305 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the disturbing statistics which show a big increase in the number of young teenagers drinking alcohol and a decrease in the age, 11.7 years for boys and 12.3 years for girls, of first alcohol drink, she will institute a comprehensive nationwide schools campaign to correct this trend; and if she will make a statement on the matter as recent surveys show that 59 per cent of boys and 54 per cent of girls between age 14 and 17 now drink regularly in 1986 compared with the 1970 figure of 12 per cent and 37 per cent.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

There is a close liaison between my Department and the Department of Health in order to support schools in the introduction of educational programmes on substance abuse. These programmes deal with abuse of all drugs, including alcohol. All schools, both primary and post-primary, and third level colleges, have been provided with information on the dangers of substance abuse to assist in countering it.

A major pilot project on substance abuse has taken place over the past two years focused on post-primary schools. This project was carried out in conjunction with the Department of Health and the Mater Dei Counselling Centre, Clonliffe Road, Dublin and with support from the European Union. The outcome of this project, including educational resource materials, will be disseminated to all post-primary schools during the current school year. A related programme of inservice training for teachers has begun this year.

My Department co-operates as well with the regional health boards and with voluntary agencies such as youth organisations and parent groups in initiatives aimed at alerting young people to the dangers of substance abuse. In all projects undertaken, schools and teachers are advised to consult with parents and to inform them of the educational activities in schools.