Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1176: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to require all primary schools to implement the stay safe child abuse protection programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29434/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Continuing Professional Development to support the implementation of the Stay Safe programme is provided by the Child Abuse Prevention Programme (CAPP). Results of a survey on the uptake of Stay Safe carried out by 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 stay safe, 240 (8.0% of respondents) reported that child abuse prevention was covered as part of the curriculum.

Following this 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.

The following table illustrates the most up to date position in relation to the provision of training by CAPP for teachers in the 735 schools that were either not providing the programme, or not teaching particular sections of it: Total in Target Group - 735. Training Delivered/Organised – 488. Further follow up required – 177. Have not yet availed of training – 70.

The figure of 488 schools that have received training quoted above represents training for 3,660 teachers and 802 special needs assistants.

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

In the 2008/2009 school year CAPP has provided training to approximately 979 schools, over 6,000 teachers and 1,400 special needs assistants.