Vol. 499 No. 1
964 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the introduction of cardio pulmonary resuscitation as a subject to the curriculum of all secondary schools is desirable; the discussions, if any, officials from his Department have held with officials from the Department of Health and Children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1484/99]
Within the physical education programme the emphasis is on personal survival techniques which are commensurate with the age and ability of the students. While some physical education teachers might offer an intensive course in first aid, which might include instruction on cardio pulmonary resuscitation, such instruction is not part of the recommended programme. First aid programmes, such as those devised by the Red Cross or St. John's Ambulance feature in the transition year programme of many schools. As such I do not consider it necessary that cardio pulmonary resuscitation should be formally introduced into the curriculum in second level schools.
