Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 4

Written Answers. - Stay Safe Programme.

Mary Harney

Question:

87 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Education the number of primary schools participating in the stay safe programmes; if she has satisfied herself with the uptake of the programme and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5116/95]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

The position regarding participation by primary schools in the stay safe programme is as follows: 99.7 per cent of schools have availed of teacher training, 80 per cent of schools have held information meetings for parents, and just under 60 per cent of schools are already teaching the programme.

The number of schools teaching the programme can be expected to increase close to the number that hold parent meetings. The experience is that there is a small time lag between the holding of parent meetings and actual commencement of teaching in the school. It would be reasonable to expect the number of schools teaching the programme to rise above 80 per cent in 1995. The rate of implementation has been slower than originally anticipated due to some opposition to the programme. However, I am satisfied that the rate of implementation has improved significantly over the past year.

I remain firmly committed to the programme and my Department will continue to actively support the work of the Child Abuse Prevention Programme, CAPP in ensuring the maximum implementation rate in schools. In particular I have committed specific funding to support the creation of a wider network of teachers capable of assisting with parent education and the further in-service needs of teachers.