Willie Penrose
Ceist:40 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals, if any, he has to combat the problem of underage drinking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25898/98]
Written Answers - Underage Drinking.
Combating the problem of underage drinking is a challenge for a wide range of agencies and persons, including the drinks industry and, very especially, parents. Schools and teachers and youth services have an important role to play in co-operation with parents and with others.
In order to support schools in fulfilling their role my Department has just completed the development of a programme of substance misuse prevention education for primary schools. I intend that this programme, which is called "Walk Tall," will be disseminated to all primary schools over a two year period beginning early in 1999.
My Department has prepared a substance misuse prevention education programme, "On My Own Two Feet," for post-primary schools. This programme was introduced in early 1995 when a support programme of in-career development commenced. The programme has been introduced to approximately 70 per cent of the schools now and to Youthreach centres. The supporting in-career programme continues this school year at 12 locations throughout the country.
My Department co-operates with the Department of Health and Children in the preparation and introduction of the programmes mentioned; and both Departments are now engaged in preparing to begin the dissemination, in 1999, of the experiences and outcomes of the Health Promoting Schools Network, which has involved primary and post-primary schools.
In the youth services area, voluntary organisations are supported in prevention of substance misuse education through the National Youth Health Programme. This is a partnership between my Department, the National Youth Council and the Department of Health and Children.
One of the resources produced by this Youth Health Programme is the "Drink Awareness for Youth" resource package. This provides comprehensive information for young people and guidance on dealing with the topic.
Individual youth organisations also run alcohol awareness programmes at local level. The No Name Club, for example, is dedicated specifically to providing alternative social outlets to those involving the use of alcohol.