§ Ms MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to educate schoolchildren in Northern Ireland on the dangers of drug abuse. [39633]
§ Mr. AncramIn schools, the statutory Northern Ireland curriculum make provision for drugs education through the programme of study for science and health education cross-curricular theme. Both of these are compulsory and apply to pupils throughout their period of compulsory schooling from age four to 16. The Department of Education issued guidance on dealing with drug-related incidents in the form of a circular in 1992.
A new and comprehensive package of advice and guidance will be issued to schools in the spring of 1996. The pack will contain an expanded circular, guidance on preparing drugs policies and on the place of drugs education in the curriculum, and a detailed working manual for schools on dealing with drug-related incidents.