Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 1991

Vol. 413 No. 9

Written Answers. - Education on Substance Abuse.

Seán Ryan

Ceist:

35 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Education if he has satisfied himself with the level of education and awareness on drug and solvent abuse in schools; and if he has any plans to review the facilities available for such education; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

51 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education if he will consider introducing an alcohol awareness programme in all post-primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Mr. Davern)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 51 together.

The Department of Education have co-operated over the years with many agencies such as the Department of Health, regional health boards, the National Youth Council, the Mater Dei Adolescent Counselling Centre as well as with parents and voluntary groups seeking to support schools in the introduction of programmes on substance abuse.

In order to develop further initiatives in this area the Departments of Education and Health have initiated a pilot project in eight post-primary schools with the aim of developing educational resource materials for schools on substance abuse. These materials will deal with the misuse of alcohol as well as solvents, tobacco and other substances. The project will include the development of associated in-service training for teachers. It is planned to disseminate the materials and the results of the project to all post-primary schools.

I am satisfied that the schools have been making every effort to develop programmes in the area of substance abuse and that the new project I have mentioned will up-date these efforts and ensure that support for schools is available on a countrywide basis.