Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I cannot agree with the Minister that the teacher is best placed to lead this particular programme because it is too hit and miss. I totally support the SPHE and Wellbeing classes, but they will go quickest when one of the academic subjects needs an extra class. If there is something else going on in the school that will be the class that will suffer. It is not consistent and that is where the problem lies.

I do not like the term "prevention" in education. The term "intervention" would be much better. The whole area is very difficult, however, because what turns one young person onto drugs could be the thing that turns another person off.

We also have a serious issue with the misuse and abuse of alcohol. We had a discussion with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, this morning about the young people's facilities and services fund, which was targeting those most at risk of this kind of behaviour. We also discussed the need for constant monitoring which is where it is falling down. I agree that it needs a holistic approach. It cannot just be about giving information. It is about a whole change in lifestyle, but it is also about equipping young people to make informed decisions. I was a teacher and I am very supportive of the programme but we must also examine other models.

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