Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 421: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in Dublin and countrywide participating in drug awareness programmes; the programmes that are being used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27548/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Drug prevention education is implemented as part of the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curricula in ALL 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.

At primary level, 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.

The Walk Tall Support Service currently 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.

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.

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, the Government has put in place the National Drugs Strategy which aims to reduce drug abuse through investment in a mixture of different facilities and programmes and through actions by a range of Departments and Agencies.

The evidence available to me from both the national Misuse Prevention Programme( SMPP) and the national SPHE Support Service informs me that the substance misuse education prevention programmes being implemented as an integral part of the SPHE curricula is in line with best international practice and while all programmes of this nature are constantly under review, I do not have any plans at present to revise the programmes.