Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Feb 2001

Vol. 529 No. 3

Written Answers. - National Alcohol Policy.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

57 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he supports the national alcohol policy; the curriculum changes since 1996 which have taken account of this policy; the measures which his Department has taken to fulfil this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2760/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

The objectives of substance misuse prevention programmes in primary and post-primary schools address issues which are relevant in the context of the national alcohol policy. I fully support these developments.

With regard to change in the curriculum, the revised primary school curriculum, launched in September 1999, has, for the first time, included social, personal and health education as a curriculum area with dedicated time on the school timetable. The phased introduction of an SPHE junior cycle syllabus for post-primary schools began in September 2000. SPHE includes topics such as alcohol and its misuse. "On My Own Two Feet", a post-primary substance abuse prevention programme continues to be available for senior cycle students.

The development of both the "Walk Tall" and the "On My Own Two Feet" programmes included the production of resource materials and the delivery of in-career development programmes for teachers. My Department has, to date, provided in excess of £0.5 million to support the "Walk Tall" programme and this year substantial moneys have been allocated to support the promotion of the SPHE programme at junior cycle level.