Vol. 525 No. 5
384 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a newspaper report (details supplied) that staff are assisting children in care in the purchase of cigarettes; if, in view of the decision to stop providing cigarettes for patients in mental hospitals, this practice will be discontinued immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25597/00]
I am aware of the reports referred to by the Deputy.
The board of management and the director of Trinity House school are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school and for ensuring best practice in relation to cigarette smoking by young people and that relevant legislation in this regard is complied with. Most young people admitted to Trinity House school have been smoking cigarettes for a number of years and consequently are already addicted to nicotine by the time they arrive at the school. The school's policy in this regard is to educate and support the boys to stop smoking. In cases where children do not succeed in giving up the habit, cigarettes are given to the children concerned to be smoked in a restricted way within the school. Young people who do not smoke in Trinity House or who give up smoking are rewarded positively. Cigarettes are not sold to the young people in Trinity House school, nor are they given as a means or method of reward.
Over the past number of months, management has been reviewing smoking policies and practices with a view to making the school a smoke free area and my Department is monitoring progress in this matter. I am satisfied that the school management is fully aware of its responsibilities in relation to the need to curb cigarette smoking by young people in its care.
