Vol. 525 No. 2
919 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the introduction of the new resource material produced by the National Safety Council for primary schools; the number of schools which are actively participating in the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24734/00]
I understand that a resource booklet entitled Be Safe! was issued to all primary school teachers by the National Safety Council – NSC – in September last. My Department agreed to provide funding to the NSC towards the cost of distributing the materials to the schools.
This booklet was prepared by the NSC with the assistance of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Dublin West Education Centre. The material was developed specifically to support the implementation of the social, personal and health education programme of the revised primary curriculum. The resource pack is activity based, and the material is aimed at pupils from infants to sixth class.
While schools are not obliged to utilise the resource pack, I am satisfied that the material will be of benefit to teachers in dealing with issues relating to road, fire and water safety.
920 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when the new resource material and programmes produced by the National Safety Council will be introduced into the second level education system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24735/00]
The National Safety Council is in the process of preparing a resource pack on road safety targeted specifically at transition year pupils. I understand that the National Safety Council envisages that the material will be finalised by next year with a view to its being available for second level schools by September 2001.
