Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he plans an assessment of alcohol education in the school curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3957/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Substance abuse prevention education is implemented as part of the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curricula. SPHE is mandatory in all primary and post-primary schools up to Junior Certificate level. A full time support service offers professional development to teachers and advice to schools. The second level support service is operated jointly with the Health Sector.

The "substance use" module of the SPHE curriculum focuses on the issues relating to the use and misuse of a range of substances. While most young people are aware of the implications and consequences of misusing substances, including alcohol, the SPHE curriculum actively seeks to promote healthy and responsible choices by students in relation to their lives. There is a commitment in the Programme for a National Government, 2011-2016, to "update the out-dated drugs awareness programmes in schools to reflect current attitudes and reality of recreational drug use amongst teens". To meet this commitment, I have established a Working Group to examine the resource materials being used in the SPHE curriculum, especially those materials that are most relevant to substance use education. The Group has representatives from the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs as well as from my own Department. It is anticipated that the Group's report will be finalised shortly. In drafting its report, the Group has had regard to current international experience of substance use prevention programmes in schools.

The Inspectorate is preparing a composite report on the delivery of SPHE at post-primary level, based on the subject inspections of SPHE carried out in schools during the academic year 2010/2011. It is anticipated that the report will be published shortly. A composite report on the delivery of SPHE at primary level was completed in 2009.

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has any plans to implement or introduce a drug and alcohol awareness study in secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3958/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Department of Education and Skills, through Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and its substance abuse prevention education, contributes to the overall aim of Government policy in relation to drugs and alcohol which is to provide an effective, integrated response to the problems posed by substance abuse. Substance abuse prevention education is implemented as part of the SPHE curricula. SPHE is mandatory in all primary and post-primary schools up to Junior Certificate level. A full time support service offers professional development to teachers and advice to schools. The second level support service is operated jointly with the Health Sector.

The substance use module of the SPHE curriculum focuses on the issues relating to the use and misuse of a range of substances. While most young people are aware of the implications and consequences of misusing substances, including alcohol, the SPHE curriculum actively seeks to promote healthy and responsible choices by students in relation to their lives. The Framework for Junior Cycle, published in October 2012, is underpinned by 8 principles one of which is "Wellbeing". Through Wellbeing "the student experience contributes directly to their physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing and resilience. Learning takes place in a climate focused on collective wellbeing of school, community and society". In addition the Framework contains 24 Statements of Learning which students should experience. The Principles plus 24 statements will provide the basis for school planning and evaluation. One of these statements aims to ensure that the student "takes action to safeguard and promote his/her wellbeing and that of others".

In addition, there are six key skills required for successful learning by students across the curriculum and for learning beyond school. These key skills are linked to the skills required at senior cycle and those already developed for early childhood and primary education. One of the six key skills of Junior Cycle is "Staying Well". While education has a role to play in addressing the problem of alcohol misuse, behavioural change will not happen without the support and co-operation of parents, industry and society as a whole. Parents have a responsibility to help children and young people to adopt sensible and responsible attitudes and behaviours in relation to alcohol and drug abuse.