Written answers

Wednesday, 6 April 2016

Department of Education and Skills

School Curriculum

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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632. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if first-aid training should be included in the curriculum for second level students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5360/16]

Photo of Jan O'SullivanJan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Social Personal and Health Education curriculum, which is currently mandatory for junior cycle students, is focused on promoting their health and well-being, helping them to create and maintain supportive relationships and to become active responsible citizens in society. The curriculum deals with issues such as making decisions, developing self-confidence, growing and changing, personal safety. Where teachers see it as appropriate they can include first-aid, as part of their programme but it is not a mandatory requirement.

Schools are encouraged to engage actively with community groups and a wide range of stakeholders to provide for extra-curricular learning opportunities. Many schools invite organisations such as the Red Cross or the Order of Malta to provide some first aid training, or to give talks to students.

Among the duties which may be assigned by a school board of management or principal to holders of posts of responsibility in schools is that of first aid and safety officer. Training in first aid for teachers is among the range of programmes supported by the network of Education Centres throughout the country to meet local priority needs.

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