Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she has satisfied herself that there is a sufficient educational and awareness programme in schools regarding depression and suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7988/05]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the serious problem of youth suicide and of the vital role that schools can play in prevention. Prevention needs to be addressed at whole school level through provision of relevant curricula for all children, through effective implementation of the social, personal and health education, SPHE, programme, and through the provision of care afforded by a good pastoral system, including the capacity to respond appropriately to early signs of difficulty. The development of self esteem, general coping skills and personal effectiveness is the most appropriate way to help the general population of young people to deal with life pressures and stress.

Within the curriculum, SPHE provides for the development of personal and social skills, including self awareness, respect for others, self esteem and communication skills, which can play an important role in encouraging a positive self image. SPHE is now a compulsory subject both at primary level and in the junior cycle of post-primary schools.

At second level the key emphasis is on promoting self esteem, physical and mental-emotional well being, and responsible decision making. Self management, communications, physical and emotional health, coping with loss, handling conflict, substance abuse, personal safety, relationships and sexuality are covered. Implementation of SPHE in schools is assisted by a full time support service which operates on an integrated basis in collaboration between the Department of Education and Science and the former health boards.

A curriculum in SPHE is being developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment for senior cycle students. Mental health is one of five key areas which will be addressed in the new syllabus. An optional module in mental health matters is among the programmes included by many schools as part of their transition year programme. In addition, exploring masculinities, which may be taken as part of the SPHE programme in schools in transition year or senior cycle, includes many topics designed to assist young males to become more open when experiencing personal problems and to seek professional help.

Pastoral care teams in schools provide important assistance in promoting students' well being and in ensuring that potential difficulties can be identified early. Class year tutors, guidance counsellors, home school liaison co-ordinators and the services of the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, can play an important role in this respect. NEPS has developed an advice and information pack for schools on responding to critical incidents. The pack is designed to provide practical step by step guidance for teachers and principals on how to respond when a trauma or tragedy occurs. The pack was prepared drawing on a range of publications and from the work of a range of agencies, including those concerned with bereavement and suicide.

My Department is represented on a national steering group which is preparing a national strategy for action on suicide prevention.