Drug education and abuse prevention
The Minister said school health education can address drug abuse, while the Health Education Bureau has primary responsibility; his Department will cooperate and has consulted the Bureau. Harte asked whether the discussion covers heroin alone or also nicotine, alcohol and other addictive drugs.
asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, to provide a comprehensive information and educational service to inform young people of the dangers of the misuse and abuse of drugs.
Comment on this
The provision of such a service would be a matter primarily for the Minister for Health through the Health Education Bureau. As far as school curricula are concerned, health education generally may be integrated into all sections so that the cultivation of good health habits may be promoted. Specific periods of time may be devoted to explain more fully some very important aspects of the health education syllabus such as drug abuse. As I have already said in this House, my Department will give all possible co-operation to the Health Education Bureau in their work for schools.
Comment on this
Yes, I assure the Deputy that we have been in consultation about health problems in schools practically since the Health Education Bureau started operating.
