Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
61 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some schools are locking away asthma inhalers under action 43 of the national drugs strategy; her views on whether this policy may have serious health implications for certain pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26352/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder action 43 of the national drugs strategy, guidelines for developing a substance abuse policy were drawn up by my Department in consultation with the health boards and the Department of Education and Science. These guidelines were issued to all schools in October 2002 to assist them in the development of appropriate substance abuse policies. The guidelines do not make reference to asthma inhalers.
The implementation of the guidelines is the responsibility of the relevant school authorities and if problems arise, parents should raise these with the school in the first instance.
