I am aware that there is some evidence of an increase in alcohol and cannabis use among the post-primary schoolgoing population in the Dublin area. I am aware also that concern exists that there appears to be an increased exposure of children and young people to the dangers of drug abuse in certain urban areas. I understand the worries of teachers and parents. For this reason my Department supports substantial educational projects for schools. These are being extended to schools generally as quickly as possible. The following initiatives have been taken.
I launched a major programme for post-primary schools on substance abuse education in October 1994. This programme, which is being disseminated to post-primary schools, was developed by the Departments of Education and Health in conjunction with the Mater Dei Counselling Centre. There is an associated in-service training programme for teachers being organised at centres throughout the country. This in-service training is supported by my Department and by the Department of Health. The training will continue in the coming school year.
The provision of health education, including substance abuse education, at primary school level, is being reviewed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. This review will take account of the experience of programmes developed in conjunction with certain of the regional health boards.
There is a development project on the health promoting school at primary and post-primary levels. This project seeks to develop a comprehensive approach to health promotion in schools. In particular, it is concerned with the involvement of parents and the community in the school's work on health promotion.
