Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 414: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the frequency with which the social personal and health education inter-departmental group meet; the reason the group has not met since May 2010; the effect this has had on the SPHE programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7754/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Initially, it was agreed that the Inter-Departmental Group, involving my Department and the Department of Education and Skills, would meet 3 times a year but that this arrangement could be reviewed in the light of experience. The Group last met in May 2010 and the next meeting is scheduled for May 2011. The SPHE Management Team, who oversee the operational management of SPHE delivery, have continued to meet on a quarterly basis in the interim. My Department is not aware of any negative impact being experienced in the delivery of the SPHE programme at school level resulting from the lack of an inter-Departmental meeting.