Vol. 455 No. 8
201 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education the education provided in primary and secondary schools regarding the dangers involved in drug taking; the plans, if any, she has to extend and revise this tuition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12930/95]
In primary schools, education about the dangers of drugs is part of the health education syllabus which is included in the overall physical education programme. Certain of the regional health boards provide support for primary, as well as second level, schools in the area of health promotion, including education about drug abuse.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is reviewing the provision of health education in primary schools, including the provision of education on substance abuse. Related to this review by the NCCA, my Department will consult with the Departments of Health and Justice about the further development of a substance abuse education programme in primary schools.
A major programme of substance abuse education for second level schools has been developed jointly by the Departments of Education and Health and the Mater Dei Counselling Centre. I launched this programme in October 1994 and since then it is being disseminated to second level schools generally with associated in-career development for teachers. At present the programme has been introduced to about 50 per cent of all second-level schools and the dissemination and in-career development will continue during the current school year.
