asked the Minister for Education the specific measures which are being taken to inform young girls at school about the dangers of rape and about methods of self-defence in case of attacks, as well as direction to organisations and institutions which specifically counsel victims of this crime.

Specific measures have not been taken in the case of primary schools.

Guidelines on the development of sex education/relationships education have been issued by my Department to the authorities of post-primary schools.

As regards informing young girls of the dangers of rape and methods of self-defence, I believe that this can best be done by parents and by schools in consultation with parents. The same applies to deciding where young girls should be advised to look for counselling in this regard.