Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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19. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the budget for school-based prevention and education programmes on addiction; the programmes available at primary and at second level; the time provision for such programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43875/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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There are a number of ways in which education on addiction prevention is addressed in schools.

Schools have a role in supporting students to develop the key skills and knowledge to enable them to make informed choices when faced with a range of difficult issues, including drugs and alcohol. This is mainly done through the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme, which has a specific module on the use and misuse of a range of substances.

SPHE is mandatory in all primary schools and in junior cycle. It will also form part of the new mandatory 'Wellbeing' component of junior cycle. Schools are also encouraged to deliver the SPHE programme in senior cycle.

Schools have access to a number of resources that support the delivery of the substance use module of SPHE. Examples include the "Walk Tall" Programme for primary pupils and a post-primary resource called "On My Own Two Feet".