Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2022
68. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if gambling awareness workshops have been rolled-out in secondary schools in County Tipperary; if she will ensure that no gambling industry-funded literature is used in schools to educate school-aged children regarding the dangers of gambling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58410/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt would not be appropriate that resources or materials produced or funded by the gambling industry, for education and awareness on gambling, are in use in our schools.
There are protocols in place to ensure that strict criteria are observed by schools when inviting external agencies to address students about particular issues. The Department provides clear guidance to schools on the engagement of outside speakers and on the use of external resources to assist in delivering the curriculum. These guidelines are most recently outlined in updated circular 0042/2018 for primary schools and 0043/2018 for post primary schools. Programmes delivered by visitors or external agencies must use appropriate evidence-based methodologies with clear educational outcomes.
These circulars also require that all materials proposed for use by external providers must be approved in advance by the principal and Board of Management, be age and stage appropriate for pupils and be in line with the ethos of the school, and the principles of the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum. This applies both to resources such as literature, and to workshops that may be held in schools.
Schools have a role to play in supporting their students to develop the key skills and knowledge to enable them to make informed choices when faced with a range of difficult issues, including drugs, alcohol and gambling.
This is mainly done through the SPHE programme. SPHE is currently mandatory in all primary schools and in Junior Cycle where it is part of the Wellbeing area. Schools are also encouraged to deliver the SPHE programme in senior cycle.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is currently redeveloping and updating the SPHE curriculum across Primary, Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle. A draft revised Junior Cycle specification was published by the NCCA for consultation in July. It is expected that the NCCA will finalise the Junior Cycle specification by the end of the year with the aim of implementing it in schools in September 2023. These curriculums are expected to address the issue of addictive behaviours, such as gambling.
For example, the draft updated Junior Cycle specification addresses the issue of addictive behaviour in Strand 2: Making Healthy Choices. The learning outcomes of this strand include analysing the supports and challenges for young people when it comes to healthy choices about addictive behaviours, as well as discussing how they may be overcome in real-life situations.
In relation to Senior Cycle, preparation to update the SPHE specification has commenced. The NCCA intends that the Senior Cycle draft specification will be available for public consultation by next summer, with a view to being ready for implementation in schools in September 2024. Following publication of the new Primary Curriculum Framework, expected in early 2023, the NCCA will establish a development group for the curricular area of Wellbeing in primary schools.
I have recently announced my Department's provision of a new postgraduate programme to upskill registered post-primary teachers teaching SPHE/RSE.
This programme, funded by the Department of Education and provided by Dublin City University (DCU) Institute of Education, will provide a pathway for progression for post-primary teachers interested in developing their skills in teaching SPHE/RSE. In so doing, this programme will build capacity and leadership within the teaching profession in relation to teaching in this important area.
Schools and teachers will be supported to access the upskilling programme and course fees will be covered by Department funding and facilitation of substitute cover to allow participating students to undertake the programme.
Just last week, Government approved publication of the Gambling Regulation Bill, which sets out the framework for a modern, robust regulatory and licensing regime for the gambling sector.
A particular focus of this legislation is the prevention of harm to people vulnerable to problem gambling, children and young people.
Given the constantly changing and technology-based nature of the gambling industry, our children and teenagers are more exposed than ever to a wide range of gambling advertising. Proper regulation of this area is important to minimise potential harm to children and young people and that is what this legislation aims to provide.
