Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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1021. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of recent data indicating a rise in illicit drug use, particularly among young people; the plans her Department has to enhance drug education and prevention programmes in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47118/25]

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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1022. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will outline any planned or ongoing collaborations her Department has with An Garda Síochána, Department of Health, HSE, or community groups to deliver targeted awareness campaigns highlighting the detrimental physical, mental, and social impacts of drug use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47119/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1021 and 1022 together.

My Department worked with the Department of Health and other government departments and agencies to support full implementation of the Government’s national drug strategy - Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017-2025 and is working with the Department of Health on the successor strategy.

In line with the actions identified, my department published an information leaflet for schools on the supports and expertise that Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (DATFs) can provide to schools, students and parents on drug and alcohol use. The purpose of the leaflet is to raise awareness among schools on the supports and expertise DATFs offer and to encourage schools to engage with, and avail of this expertise. This publication was delivered as a collaboration with the Department of Health.

Within the Department of Education and Youth curricula, the issue of drug misuse is addressed throughout the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme, which has a specific module on the use and misuse of a range of substances. As students progress through the SPHE programme from primary to post-primary, they encounter a wide range of issues, including substance misuse. Schools have a role to play in supporting their students to develop the key skills and knowledge to enable them to make informed choices when faced with difficult issues, including drugs, alcohol and gambling.

Schools have a role to play in supporting their 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, alcohol and gambling. An updated Junior Cycle SPHE specification was introduced into schools in September 2023 including learning outcomes that students should be able

• to investigate how unhealthy products such as nicotine, vapes, alcohol, and unhealthy food and drinks are marketed and advertised;
• to discuss societal, cultural and economic influences affecting young people when it comes to making healthy choices about smoking, alcohol and other addictive substances; and
• to discuss the physical, social, emotional and legal consequences of using addictive substances – immediate and long-term.

• to examine social norms, attitudes and beliefs related to alcohol, tobacco/vaping and substance use;
• to explore the factors that influence mental health and wellbeing, including the influence of family, community, peers, school, social media, digital technology, alcohol and mood-altering drugs; and
• to explain the pathways towards addiction, the signs and consequences of different kinds of addictions and where to go and how to access help, if needed.