Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2004
28 Mr. English asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether all schools should have an agreed policy, available to all parents, on the way in which they handle suspected cases of drug taking or possession by school pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30481/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the national drugs strategy, my Department and the Department of Health and Children developed guidelines, in co-operation with the health boards, to assist schools in the formulation of a drugs policy and to ensure that all schools had drugs policies in place.
In October 2002, my Department issued the guidelines in booklet form to all schools following an extensive process of consultation that included management bodies, teacher unions, student unions and parents' councils.
The central objective of a school's substance use policy is the welfare, care and protection of every young person in line with the Education Act 1998 and the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. The policy is intended to address education concerning alcohol, tobacco and drugs and the procedures for managing incidents relating to these substances.
Parents who wish to find out what policy is in place in individual schools should consult with the school authorities in the first place.
