Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the Stay Safe programme; if there are primary schools not providing this programme; the number of schools providing the programme and the number that are not; the steps he is taking to ensure this programme is delivered in all primary schools; and if research has been carried out by his Department into the way the programme is operating. [25496/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Results of a survey on the uptake of Stay Safe carried out by the Child Abuse Prevention Programme (CAPP) and my Department in 2006 showed that at that time:

2,514 schools (84.19%) were providing the programme

472 (15.81%) were not providing the programme, and

263 schools (8.8%) of respondents) were not teaching the sections on inappropriate sexual contact and secrecy.

Of the 472 schools that were not teaching the Stay Safe programme, 240 (8.0% of respondents) reported that child abuse prevention was covered as part of the curriculum.

Research has not been carried out by my Department into the way the programme is operating since this survey was completed. However, following the survey my Department has been taking a targeted approach to the provision of training. Two additional primary school teachers were seconded to CAPP in September 2007 to assist with this training, which is being directed at those schools that had indicated they are not implementing the programme.

In the 2007/2008 school year CAPP has provided training to approximately 615 schools, over 5,000 teachers and 1,100 special needs assistants.

In addition to this targeted training, CAPP continues to provide in-service training and support to all primary schools on request.

It should also be noted that in 2006 my Department sent a Circular on Child Protection and Procedures for Primary Schools (Primary 0061/2006) to the Chairpersons and Principals of all primary schools. This draws attention to the crucial importance of schools following closely the Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures which are based on the Children First national guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Children and specifically adapted to cater for primary school settings.