Kathleen Lynch
Question:32 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, she has to further the development of the Staysafe programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18793/95]
Written Answers. - Stay Safe Programme.
The White Paper on Education, Charting our Education Future, contains a firm commitment to the continuing development of the Stay Safe Programme and its extension to all schools.
The initial implementation phase of the "Stay Safe" programme at primary level was completed in June 1995. The teachers who were on full-time secondment have been replaced by a wider network of 40 teachers capable of supporting the programme on a part-time basis. This more localised part-time service will be managed centrally by a small team in the Child Abuse Prevention Programme head office. In this way, the long-term operation of the programme will be secured.
The wider network of teachers will target in particular those schools which currently are not teaching the programme. The programme of parent education will continue to be a primary focus along with the continuing in-service needs of teachers.
Initial funding of £40,000 was made available to CAPP by my Department to cover training and other costs associated with the delivery of the programme. I have agreed to provide an additional £40,000 to cover the costs which CAPP have projected for 1996.
A specially adapted version of the programme is being developed for use in special schools. This will be available early in 1996. I regard this as a very positive development of the programme.
The development of a programme at second level is being actively considered by my Department having regard to the proposed programme of Relationships and Sexuality Education. In this connection, I have sought the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.