Regina Doherty
Ceist:313. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he plans an assessment of alcohol education in the school curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3957/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 January 2013
Ceisteanna (313)
Freagraí scríofa
Substance abuse prevention education is implemented as part of the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curricula. SPHE is mandatory in all primary and post-primary schools up to Junior Certificate level. A full time support service offers professional development to teachers and advice to schools. The second level support service is operated jointly with the Health Sector.
The "substance use" module of the SPHE curriculum focuses on the issues relating to the use and misuse of a range of substances. While most young people are aware of the implications and consequences of misusing substances, including alcohol, the SPHE curriculum actively seeks to promote healthy and responsible choices by students in relation to their lives. There is a commitment in the Programme for a National Government, 2011-2016, to "update the out-dated drugs awareness programmes in schools to reflect current attitudes and reality of recreational drug use amongst teens". To meet this commitment, I have established a Working Group to examine the resource materials being used in the SPHE curriculum, especially those materials that are most relevant to substance use education. The Group has representatives from the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs as well as from my own Department. It is anticipated that the Group's report will be finalised shortly. In drafting its report, the Group has had regard to current international experience of substance use prevention programmes in schools.
The Inspectorate is preparing a composite report on the delivery of SPHE at post-primary level, based on the subject inspections of SPHE carried out in schools during the academic year 2010/2011. It is anticipated that the report will be published shortly. A composite report on the delivery of SPHE at primary level was completed in 2009.