Written answers

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Department of Education and Science

National Drugs Strategy

7:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 156: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when she expects to provide the necessary resources to tackle drug prevention and treatment programmes at local and national level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42214/06]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008. The Strategy, which was launched in May 2001, is based on four pillars — supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research — under which a series of 100 individual actions have been identified. These actions are being carried out by a number of Departments and Agencies.

My Department contributes fully to the overall aim of the Government's policy in relation to drugs, which is to provide an effective, integrated response to the problems posed by drug misuse. As part of this process, my Department is represented at senior level on the National Drugs Strategy Team and on the Interdepartmental Group which in turn reports to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. In addition, my Department is represented on all Drugs Task Forces, both Local and Regional.

Drug prevention education is implemented as part of the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curricula in primary and post-primary schools. The SPHE curriculum is mandatory in all primary schools and post-primary schools up to Junior Certificate Level in which substance use is one of 10 modules taught.

The Primary Curriculum Support Programme (PCSP), through its SPHE Cuiditheoireacht service from September 2003 provides support for the implementation of SPHE in schools and for the formulation of Substance Use Policies through school visits. Further support and guidance in this area is available through the provision of 'Drop in' clinics in various Education Centres around the country. Furthermore, the SPHE trainers provided half-day seminars for designated members of teaching staffs in primary schools and parents — in non-Local Drugs Task Force Areas — to help them formulate Substance Use Policies; the trainers also facilitated evening meetings for Substance Use Policy Committees. A callsave helpline is also provided for information and advice on the topic.

The Substance Misuse Prevention Programme (SMPP or 'The Walk Tall' Programme) is a national programme, established in 1996, to provide in-service to teachers in primary schools in the area of legal and illegal substances. The programme teaching and resource materials focus on both alcohol and drugs in an age appropriate manner.

The programme has an integrated approach to drug education and is a key strategy in drug abuse prevention education. Teaching and resource materials developed by the 'Walk Tall' Programme are made available to all primary and special schools nationally. In the last academic year the Walk Tall Support Service produced a CD ROM of the programme materials and a handbook for teachers "Understanding Substances and Substance Use" and made it available to all schools nationally. Summer training courses are offered nationally to teachers. Courses took place in Limerick, Kildare, Athlone, Carlow, Kilkenny, Louth, Carrick-on Shannon, Mayo, Wicklow, Tipperary, Monaghan, Cavan and Tralee.

The support service has a full time staff of three, comprised of a national support officer and two assistants on secondment from teaching duties. A part-time panel of approximately 20 teachers is available to deliver summer training courses nationally.

In addition, the programme currently offers a dedicated support service to all schools in the 14 Local Drugs Task Force Areas in Dublin, Bray and Cork.

At post-primary level, the substance misuse prevention programme 'On My Own Two Feet' which is an integral part of the SPHE curriculum, draws on three approaches: knowledge-attitude, decision-making and social competence. As such it is a comprehensive life-skills programme.

All post-primary schools are invited to in-service training in SPHE each spring and autumn on a regional basis. A selection of SPHE topics are offered to teachers, including substance use education. Health Promotion Officers and Regional Development Officers along with experts in specific areas, such as substance use education are involved in the delivery of this in-service. In addition, there is a dedicated Regional Development Officer who works with post-primary schools in the Local Drugs Task Force Areas, in assisting them with policy development and implementation of the policy guidelines on substance use in schools.

My Department has also taken a number of initiatives to counteract substance misuse in schools, including alcohol. In October 2002, my Department issued guidelines to all schools to assist them in the development of School Substance Use Policies. These guidelines were developed in partnership with the Department of Health and Children and the then Health Boards. The central objective of a school's substance use policy is the welfare, care and protection of every young person in line with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education Welfare Act, 2000.

The policy is intended to address both education concerning alcohol, tobacco, drugs and other dangerous substances and the procedures for managing incidents relating to them.

In addition, my Department currently funds 36 mainstreamed Local Drug Task Force projects at a cost of over €3 million.

I am confident that together these initiatives are ensuring that the education system plays its role in combating drug abuse among young people. Clearly, however, this issue requires action on many fronts. To this end, we will continue to work with other Departments on the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.