Substance use education is a specific module in the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum in junior cycle, post-primary level. The implementation of the curriculum is supported by a dedicated Post Primary SPHE Support Service which is operated jointly with the Health Sector.
There is a commitment in the Programme for a National Government, 2011-2016, to "update the out-dated drugs awareness programmes in schools to reflect current attitudes and reality of recreational drug use amongst teens". To meet this commitment, I have established a Working Group to examine the resource materials being used in the SPHE curriculum, especially those materials that are most relevant to substance use education. The Group has representatives from the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs as well as from my own Department. In drafting its report, the Group will have regard to current international experience of substance use prevention programmes in schools.
I am expecting the Group to complete a report for me in the next few months.