Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for selecting this urgent matter. I welcome the Minister of State to the House and wish her every success with her portfolio which is becoming more difficult by the day. I am sure the tasks which lie ahead of her will be dealt with fairly and efficiently.

The announcement last week that two fee-paying schools in Dublin are operating mandatory drug testing of students causes concern in some quarters. It is vital that the Minister for Education and Science and his Department indicate as soon as possible the strategy and intention of the Department in relation to this new departure.

It is important that all the partners in education be involved in this matter. While it has been announced initially as an initiative by two fee-paying schools, as many as 15 others schools are to follow in the near future. It is time the Department indicated if it is in agreement with the procedures in the two schools and if it intends to be proactive in addressing what has happened. The boards of management, principals, staff, students and parents are all involved. Parents have indicated their support for the initiative already declared in these two schools. An integral part of the education process should involve emphasising awareness of the difficulties in respect of drug taking.

Many difficulties could arise from this initiative. Will the procedures followed be in line with current departmental rules and regulations? Is the Minister confident that we have the resources and professional personnel to cater for circumstances in which drug testing identifies a particular student or a number of students in order to give them the necessary counselling and provide the other backup services required?