Vol. 529 No. 3
54 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the drugs prevention programmes in primary and secondary schools; the percentage of schools in each sector which are providing these courses; the precise training available for teachers; and his views on the effectiveness of these programmes. [2770/01]
There are two drugs prevention programmes in place in schools. The programme in primary schools is called ‘Walk Tall'. This programme had been introduced into 2787 or 87% of primary schools by the end of the year 2000. It is expected that 3000 schools will have accessed support by the end of June of this year. This rep resents 94% of all primary schools. By way of training, a one day seminar for each school staff and an optional three hours per week over nine weeks were offered to all primary schools.
The programme for post-primary schools, called "On My Own Two Feet" was introduced in approximately 570 or 75% of post-primary schools and 1700 teachers from post-primary schools had 50 hours training for that programme. This programme has now been subsumed into the social, personal and health education programme and by the end of 2003 every school is expected to have it as an integral part of its programme at junior cycle level.
Very good progress has been made to date in relation to both programmes and my Department will continue to monitor implementation on an ongoing basis.
