Denis Naughten
Ceist:57 Mr. Naughten 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. [3671/99]
Written Answers. - Underage Drinking.
The problem of underage drinking is a challenge for a wide range of agencies and persons, including the drinks industry and vintners and, very especially, parents. Schools, teachers and youth services have an important role to play in co-operation with parents and with personnel and agencies engaged in the prevention of the misuse of alcohol.
In order to support schools in fulfilling their role my Department has developed a programme of substance misuse prevention education for primary schools. As I announced at the end of 1998, this programme, which is called Walk Tall is being disseminated to all primary schools over the two years, 1999 and 2000. This has involved the employment of a support team of seven teachers, on secondment, to organise and provide staff training seminars for teachers on the programme.
My Department has also 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 for teachers commenced. The programme has been introduced to approximately 70 per cent of post-primary schools and to Youthreach centres. The supporting in-career programme continues during the present 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; both Departments are now engaged in preparing to begin the dissemination later this year of the experiences and outcomes of the Health Promoting School Network, which has involved primary and post-primary schools.
In the non-formal education area, voluntary youth organisations are supported in the prevention of substance misuse through the national youth health programme. This programme is a partnership between my Department, the National Youth Council and the Department of Health and Children. The issue of underage drinking is addressed in the programme.
One of the resources produced by the youth health programme is the Drink Awareness for Youth resource package. This provides comprehensive information for young people and guidance on dealing with the problem of excessive drinking.
Individual youth organisations also run alcohol awareness programmes at local level. The No Name Club, for example, which receives support from my Department is dedicated specifically to providing alternative social outlets to those involving the use of alcohol.