Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Yesterday in reply to a question, the Taoiseach played down the extent of drug abuse throughout the country. Today I would like to ask him about a report published by UNICEF Report Card 7, Child Poverty in Perspective: An Overview of Child Well-being in Rich Countries. This report indicates that 20% of children under 16 smoked cannabis in the past 12 months. I have been dealing with parents, teachers and boards of management for a long time and there is a growing concern about the toll being taken on young people's development by the abuse of drugs and alcohol in a growing number of second level schools. I know this is a matter of concern to the Taoiseach.

Some weeks ago I suggested that where, on a voluntary basis, boards of management, parents and students in particular schools wish to introduce random alcohol and drug testing, the Department of Education and Science should support such a scheme and where necessary provide facilities and counselling support. I have spoken to many teachers who are experiencing increasing difficulties with some pupils, particularly as a result of drink and drugs. In view of the specific reference in the UNICEF report to the abuse of drugs at second level, would the Taoiseach support a voluntary scheme for random drug and alcohol testing in second level schools where teachers, parents and students want such a scheme to be implemented? They would send out the message "in our school, you don't do this".

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