Micheál Martin
Question:2 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Education if a substance abuse programme has been devised for both primary and secondary schools; and if such a programme will be introduced this year. [13619/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Substance Abuse Programme.
The White Paper on Education "Charting our Education Future" stated that programmes will be developed relating to tobacco, alcohol, substance abuse and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. These programmes will support schools in promoting the social, personal and health education of students.
Initiatives are being taken in respect of substance abuse prevention. A major programme of substance abuse education for second level schools has been developed jointly by the Departments of Education and Health in conjunction with the Mater Dei Counselling Centre. I launched this programme in October 1994. It is being disseminated to second level schools generally with associated in-career development for teachers. At present the programme has been introduced to about 50 per cent of all second level schools and the dissemination and in-career development will continue during the current school year.
I hope to give details in the near future of a substance abuse programme for primary schools. Proposals are also being drawn up for a substance abuse awareness programme in primary schools.
The Minister for Justice, Deputy Owen, launched what she termed her emergency package to deal with the scourge of drugs and substance abuse in our society at a press conference in July of this year. It was announced at the press conference that a substance abuse programme would be introduced in primary schools this September. However, it is clear from the Minister's response that this statement was premature and such a programme will not be put in place in primary schools this year.
There is a difference between this September and this year. The Deputy correctly referred to the initiative announced by the Minister for Justice. At that stage I availed of the opportunity to disseminate the information on the second level schools programme "My Own Two Feet" which was launched in October 1994 and to set out our proposals for a primary schools programme. That programme is being developed and it will be ready for introduction in schools this year.
When?
It must be remembered that there are already ongoing programmes in schools and that the success of "My Own Two Feet" is now being felt in schools. The NCCA was invited to bring forward a programme on substance abuse along the lines of "My Own Two Feet". The health boards and the Garda Síochána are also involved in the development of the programme. The development of the substance abuse prevention programme in schools cannot be seen as separate from relationships and sexuality education which are part of social, personal and health education in schools.
The Minister referred to other programmes but will she not agree that this is a priority programme which would be introduced in primary and second level schools? She also said that information on "My Own Two Feet" had been disseminated in schools. A number of the secondary schools I contacted still depend to a large extent on their programme organisers to initiate and put together proper substance abuse programmes. Does the Minister have any plans to provide in-service courses for parents on the delivery of these programmes? She has lacked urgency in dealing with this issue and has not given it the priority it deserves given the widespread concern in the community about substance abuse generally.
This programme is a priority. The Deputy followed the debate which gave rise to the introduction of social, personal and health education in schools and he must acknowledge that there has been much action in this area. This action takes on board the primary responsibility of parents to educate their children and their role in the education provided by the Department.
No in-service courses have been provided.
There has been teacher training under the second level programme. The two year pilot phase was very successful and we are widening the scope of the programme all the time. Sometimes these programmes are more successful when they are kept out of the headlines. I am always mesmerised by the different views expressed by the schools to which Deputy Martin refers. The Department of Education is very open to discussing with school managers any problems they have in the introduction of new programmes. Will the Deputy indicate to those schools that the Department is interested in their problems?
The programme for second level schools was introduced almost one year ago and in-service training, supported by the in-career development unit, was provided. Of the 26 courses held, nine were in Dublin and three in Cork. Each course lasts for 50 hours and caters for 15 teachers. The programme is in operation in 400 second level schools.
I have that information. I asked the Minister why she will not provide in-service training on substance abuse for parents of primary and second level students? Parents are the key to the success of this programme and it cannot be operated in schools in isolation.
Parents are consulted on the introduction of these programmes in schools. The financial assistance made available by the Department of Education to parent associations is seen as giving parents a voice in the education of their children. The information is disseminated in schools and if the Deputy can give me a reason teachers should be trained in this I will be interested in hearing it — Deputies on the other side of the House have not put forward many initiatives. The in-service training has dealt with the teaching profession which, together with the school management, introduce these programmes in partnership with the parents. During my time in office the Department of Education has not been found wanting in providing support for parent organisations through training and finance. The in-service training provided by these organisations gives parents a voice in the education of their children. I always welcome the views of parents on decisions relating to the education of their children.
Substance abuse programmes cannot be provided in isolation in the school. They must be provided in consultation with parents, the Garda etc.
The Deputy made that point earlier.
The Minister should give a commitment to provide in-service courses on substance abuse programmes for parents. I am not talking about the provision of support for parent organisations through administration grants etc. Rather I am talking about in-service courses on substance abuse programmes for parents.