Cecilia Keaveney
Question:274 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of programmes which have taken place to date in relation to under-age drinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22892/01]
Vol. 541 No. 4
274 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of programmes which have taken place to date in relation to under-age drinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22892/01]
The health promotion unit of my Department is involved in several measures relating to the issue of under-age drinking.
Education programmes have been developed so that young people may be more informed and better equipped to make informed decisions when faced with the issue of alcohol. Children are targeted through the substance misuse prevention programme called "Walk Tall" which was developed and delivered in co-operation with the Department of Education and Science and the health boards and of course the teachers. Training in this programme has now been received by 95% of primary schools. Adolescents are targeted through the substance abuse prevention programme – SAPP – called "On My Own Two Feet" which forms part of the social, personal and health education curriculum. To date, two-thirds of post primary schools have received training in this programme. The SAPP programme is also available for youth leaders working in local communities and at risk youth groups. Training is available for professionals and parents at community level through the regional health boards, with the purpose of helping long-term prevention of alcohol and drug misuse.