The Departments of Education and Health have co-operated in developing a programme on substance abuse education for second-level schools entitled On My Own Two Feet. This programme, with associated in-career development training for teachers, is available to second-level schools generally, as well as to youth reach centres and community training workshops.
Both Departments have co-operated, as well, in support of youth organisations in developing education packages on substance abuse. It is intended that this co-operation will continue.
In accordance with the Government measures to combat drug misuse announced in July 1995, the Minister for Education has announced a programme on substance abuse prevention for primary schools. This programme includes awareness raising seminars for teachers, parents and school management, the development of in-career training for teachers and educational resource materials with a special focus on areas where substance abuse is known to be a major problem. The Department of Health participates in the steering committee for this programme and will cooperate with the Department of Education in the development of the various aspects of the programme. Work on these aspects has already begun.