Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1706. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if the possibility of early intervention in mental health awareness and promotion has been explored through programmes within the school system; if he has engaged with officials of the Department of Education and Skills on mental health promotion in schools generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38124/12]
View answerSchools are a prime setting for addressing suicide prevention and mental health promotion initiatives. The Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum, which is mandatory in all primary schools and at Junior Cycle in post primary schools, provides a consistent and comprehensive whole-school approach to promoting the health and well-being of children. SPHE aims to foster self-worth and self-confidence and places a particular emphasis on developing a sense of personal responsibility for one's own behaviour and actions.
The SPHE programme is implemented in collaboration with the Health Service Executive (HSE). There are also linkages with the Department's of Health and Children and HSE in relation to the development of child and adolescent mental health guidelines and child welfare and protection services. Guidelines addressing the issues of mental health and suicide prevention are currently being finalised for post primary schools. These have been informed by feedback received from key stakeholders. It is hoped that the finalised guidelines will be circulated to post primary schools in the near future.
