Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I agree. I want every child to have access to the programme. Having considered the programme for each of the different age groups, I cannot understand why parents would not want their child to be involved with the programme. I also cannot understand why teachers would not want to teach it. It is a well-focussed and targeted programme for children about themselves, their feelings and protecting themselves. It is very age specific and appropriate. All the major bodies have now said they want it to be implemented. Obviously, however, there are some schools or areas around the country where some groups — I think it is largely parents — are not happy with it. I would like to see a situation where everybody would feel comfortable enough with the programme so that where it is introduced in a school every child would benefit from it. I will have a clear view of that as soon as I get the survey. If I can determine what the problems are, I will address them to ensure the programme is rolled out properly. If not, then I am open to making it mandatory.

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