Dan Neville
Question:139 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress, if any, made on the introduction of the recommendations of the national task force on suicide. [18447/99]
Written Answers. - National Task Force on Suicide.
The following initiatives are concerned with the implementation of those recommendations of the national task force on suicide referring to my Department's areas of responsibility.
Guidelines on developing school plans have been issued to all primary schools. Schools are expected to include in their plans measures to promote physical and emotional health and well being. Similar guidelines for second level schools are being prepared.
The National Educational Psychological and Service Agency commenced provision of its service on 1 September 1999. This service will become available to all schools as it is developed over the next five years.
Guidance counsellors may be employed by all second level schools, the number of hours sanctioned being related to school size. At primary level my Department is in the process of recruiting a national co-ordinator to assist in the development of the support teacher scheme in primary schools. Support teachers assist in the teaching of those children who manifest behavioural difficulties and, when considered necessary, they ensure that those who require counselling are referred to the appropriate agency.
The revised primary school curriculum includes a subject entitled social, personal and health education – SPHE. My Department is currently examining the recommendations of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on a SPHE curriculum for second level schools. The various education programmes on substance misuse and relationships will be subsumed within SPHE. Dealing with personal feelings, including controlling anger towards oneself and others, is a feature of these programmes. Co-operation with the Department of Health and Children is an important part of the process of development.
My Department co-operates, as well, with the National Youth Council in developing the national youth health programme which includes mental health.
The Department of Education and Science is aware of the gender dimension in suicide statistics. In response, a programme specifically for boys and young men has been developed and will be disseminated later this term. The programme Exploring Masculinities deals with aspects of male life contributing to suicidal feelings. It also deals with the changing roles of men and women, with violence and with sport. Information on support services is also included. The programme was developed, with support from the European Social Fund, for boys in transition year. Its use with boys and young men throughout senior cycle is being explored.
Formal and informal contact has already been established between psychologists in the new national educational psychological service and the suicide response units of certain of the health boards. It is intended that a co-ordinated response to traumatic incidents will be available for all schools.