Vol. 484 No. 2
13 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on further programmes in our secondary schools to alert pupils to the dangers of alcohol abuse in view of a recent North-Eastern Health Board report detailing the drinking habits of young people in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21703/97]
The results reported in the survey quoted in the Deputy's question are a cause for concern. They indicate, as do the results of other surveys, a continuing increase in the consumption of alcohol by young people and at earlier age levels. This is not only an issue for schools but must also cause everybody to question general attitudes to drinking and the place of alcohol in the life of the community. A programme of substance misuse prevention education for second level schools, On My Own Two Feet, was introduced in the autumn of 1994. This programme has a particular focus on education about the use of alcohol and includes substantial associated in-service training. A similar programme for primary schools is in the course of development at present.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has been preparing school curricula and guidelines for teachers, at primary and second level, on the introduction of social, personal and health education which will include education about the use of alcohol. The curricula and teacher guidelines at primary level have been completed by the NCCA and will be available very shortly.
The NCCA guidelines, for the junior cycle of post-primary level, have been drafted and will be available later in 1998. I understand that the NCCA will be advising that an identified place on the timetable of schools be allocated for social, personal and health education, including education about alcohol use. I intend to act on that advice.
Meanwhile, the ground has been well prepared through the introduction of the programmes of substance misuse education at both levels. Approximately 1,300 post-primary teachers have participated in training programmes to date. Over 200 primary teachers have participated in training programmes on substance misuse education since the beginning of this school year. This training is ongoing at both levels.
The general approach and the continuing initiatives of my Department should be seen in the context of overall national policy on alcohol, the misuse of which is a major issue for everybody. My Department will support the introduction and development of programmes in schools and will continue to co-operate with the Department of Health and Children in the matter. However, parents have a primary responsibility in helping children and young people to adopt sensible and responsible attitudes and behaviour in relation to alcohol. In particular, the drinks industry needs to adopt a responsible attitude to the promotion of alcoholic drinks, especially in relation to targeting young people; and retailers should ensure that the law on the sale of alcoholic drink, to those under the legal age limit, is carefully observed. In general, the community, as a whole, needs to reflect on the general attitude to alcohol use, where such use seems to be regarded now as a necessary element of all occasions of celebration and enjoyment.
