Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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101. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the figures relating to bullying, substance abuse and the scale of mental issues in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38993/20]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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102. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the figures in relation to bullying, substance abuse and the scale of mental issues in post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38994/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.

While my Department is not responsible for holding the data requested by the Deputy, it does have an important role to play in supporting the wellbeing of all in the school community. My Department’s Wellbeing Policy and Framework for practice has given recognition to the importance of promoting wellbeing in education. It outlines a comprehensive, whole-school approach to the promotion of wellbeing and positive mental health. It focuses on the whole school community, as well as groups and individual young people with identified needs.

The provision of child and adolescent mental health services lies within the remit of the Department of Health, and the HSE specifically. The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) works closely with the HSE and its agencies to ensure those who may require the provision of therapy or counselling are referred to the appropriate clinical services for intervention and support.

A key part of wellbeing promotion in any school is In relation to anti-bullying, the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils. The procedures include specific requirements in relation to the use of prevention and education strategies and the consistent investigation, follow up and recording of bullying behaviour amongst pupils. There is a requirement in the procedures for the School Principal to report regularly to the Board of Management on the overall number of bullying cases and provide confirmation that they are being dealt with in accordance with the anti-bullying procedures. The Board is also required, under the procedures, to undertake an annual review of the school's anti-bullying policy and its implementation by the school. Written confirmation that the review has been completed must be available and published on the school website. There is no requirement for reporting centrally to the Department. My Department's approach in the procedures is that the Inspectorate, as part of its inspection of schools, specifically examine schools compliance with the anti-bullying procedures including the actions taken to create a positive school culture and to prevent and tackle bullying.

My Department is working along with other Government Departments and agencies to support the full implementation of the national drug strategy - Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017-2025 – participating on both the National Oversight Committee leading and directing on its implementation and on the Strategy Standing Sub Committee on the overall co-ordination and implementation of the strategy actions. My Department participated in the development of the strategy and is leading on a number of actions to build the skills, knowledge and resilience and wellbeing in all of our children so they are equipped to deal with the challenges they face and to enable them to achieve their full potential and be the best they can be.

In 2019, ‘Know the Score’ was launched. This is a resource for teachers of senior cycle students aimed at guiding and supporting them to improve their knowledge and strengthen their skills in dealing with the risks associated with alcohol and drugs. ‘Know the Score’ is the first national evidence-based resource on alcohol and drugs for senior cycle students and was developed in partnership between public health and education professionals, with input from teachers and young people.