Paul Hogan Motion 159
Published: 1 March, 2008
As we all know, drugs misuse is one of the most serious challenges facing society today, a challenge that is escalating day by day. By drugs we mean substances that have a consciousness - altering capability. They may be illegal, they may be legal and sold over the counter, and they may be legal but restricted to medical prescription, such as antidepressants.
Alcohol is one of the most widely used and socially destructive drugs available legally on this island. Alcohol abuse is not only a factor in public disorder offences but also more seriously is a contributing factor to deaths on our roads, suicide and domestic violence.
Underage drinking and binge-drinking is spiraling out of control as the Government looks on. We believe community grants should be made available for the provision of 'Youth Cafes' where young people can socialise in an alcohol and drug -free environment.
The sale of illegal drugs is a motivating factor to shootings and murders by drug barons in so called turf- wars. These drugs include amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, poppers and solvents. Poverty, social exclusion, inequality, lack of recreational facilities and shortfalls in education are all significant factors influencing drug misuse.
Educating our young people in primary and post - primary schools is the keystone in challenging today's culture and provides them with a proper insight into the negative effects of drugs. All Teacher Training Colleges should have modules included in their course to ensure they are qualified to teach young people of the dangers of drug abuse.
We, in Longford/Westmeath, are asking this Ard Fheis to support our call to the Minister for Education to include a number of modules on the school curriculum with regards to drug abuse. These modules can be taught in the Social, Personal, and Health Education curriculum and ensure these classes are available to all primary, post- primary and third level institutions.
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