Vol. 456 No. 1
138 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education if she will make resources available to provide tuition in road safety and cycling skills at all primary and second-level schools in view of the large number of children cycling to and from school; her views on whether the encouragement of safe cycling is an important matter for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13324/95]
I have no proposals to make specific resources available. However, information on general safety measures including road safety and cycling skills is disseminated to the schools by regional representatives of the National Safety Council who have the primary responsibility in this area.
I agree that the encouragement of safe cycling is an important matter for schools and this subject along with general safety education is dealt with under civics in the primary school curriculum. Teachers are encouraged to deal with this topic by both discussion and demonstration sessions, utilising visual-aids such as film strips and charts where appropriate. Charts can be provided by the Department of the Environment and other interest groups. Similarly in the case of second-level schools, such topics can be dealt with on the civics course, which is compulsory for all junior cycle pupils.
A practical approach to road safety education often includes enlisting the help of the local garda with a view to stimulating interest in the rules of the road. Additionally, project work can be carried out by the students to identify and account for local "black spots" and hazards.
