GOVT PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR PLAN TO ERADICATE DRUGS FROM SCHOOLS

THE Government has pledged its full support for a new campaign spear-headed
by teachers, a nation-wide initiative which aims to rid schools of drugs
and help staff identify pupils at risk from substance abuse.

No school is drug free. And unless substance abuse, which is spreading like
a bush fire, is tackled now, the problem will be out of hand within 20
years, a teachers' union claimed last night.

But schools alone cannot tackle drug and alcohol abuse among pupils. A
whole community initiative, involving parents, teachers and health boards
is critical, Teachers' Union of Ireland education officer, Billy
Fitzpatrick, told yesterday's 'Substance Misuse - Effective School
Response' conference.

"Schools did not create the drug problem so they alone cannot be expected
to tackle it.

"The issue of substance abuse is very prevalent right across Irish society.
It is not just a city problem and not just one which affects a particular
class. And unless it is effectively tackled now, in 20 years time, it will
be too late," said Mr Fitzpatrick. The new substance misuse initiative
spear-headed in schools bids to raise awareness among pupils and parents
about the scourge of drugs and alcohol abuse.

It is also set to boost prevention and intervention. "Excellent programmes
run in the community. Every school must make links with addiction
counsellors and bring them into the classroom if necessary," he added.

Education and Science Minister, Micheal Martin, said the real challenges
for education is to bridge the gap between imparting knowledge and
influencing behaviour. Young people need to acquire and apply appropriate
knowledge. They need to explore and develop attitudes, beliefs and values,
he added.

"The earlier onset of drinking and smoking in Ireland among our children
and young people is a disturbing factor of ongoing research. Indeed, a
recent publication by AWARE demonstrates that the high and unacceptable
rate of suicide among young men is often associated with alcohol and drug
problems," added Minister Martin.

National Parents Council Post Primary president, Rose Tully, social and
personal health education trainer, Miriam Lillis, and two former addicts
were among those who addressed yesterday's session.

Checked-by: Pat Dolan