Vol. 449 No. 5
91 Mr. Davern asked the Minister for Justice the steps, if any, that are being taken in relation to drug education and awareness in schools by the Garda Síochána in the Tipperary division; the number of schools visited; and the future plans, if any, she has to include video and audio displays for schools, community groups and other interested groups. [4081/95]
The Garda authorities inform me that 45 post primary schools in the Tipperary Division were visited by members of the Garda in 1994. Raising the awareness of young people to the dangers of drug abuse formed an important part of these visits.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they have drawn up a comprehensive community based drugs awareness programme and arrangements are well advanced towards its implementation throughout the country. The programme will be operated by community gardaí and juvenile liaison officers and will involve visits to schools as well as attending meetings of community-based groups and the business community. This programme will include the use of video and audio displays.Extra training will be provided for those gardaí involved in the programme.
The programme has been carefully devised with the objective of advising young people of the dangers of drugs and encouraging them to assist the pressures to take drugs.
The Deputy may also be aware of the mobile drug prevention unit which was launched in October 1994. This has been used by the gardaí in the course of visits to various centres and communities with the objective of raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and imparting advice and assistance where necessary.
