456. Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science when social personal and health education will be rolled out for senior cycle in all schools. [30524/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Mary Hanafin): A programme in Social Personal and Health Education for senior cycle is currently being developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, but no proposals in this area have as yet been submitted to by Department. The Council has consulted widely on a draft curriculum framework, and there has been general acceptance that it should cover such areas as Mental Health, Gender Studies, Substance use, Relationships & Sexuality education, and Physical Activity & Nutrition. I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the Council in this area as soon as possible.

457. Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science when a social personal and health education regional development officer with responsibility for collaboration with the local drugs task forces will be appointed; if this person will be assigned to junior cycle only; if a similar position will be created for senior cycle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30525/07]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Mary Hanafin): The Social Personal and Health Education support service through my Department has twice advertised for the position of Regional Development Officer with responsibility for collaboration with the Local Drugs Task Forces, as outlined by the Deputy. Unfortunately on both occasions a suitable candidate was not forthcoming for a variety of reasons. The SPHE has recently created a panel for the appointment of Regional Development Officers nationally. Recruitment from this panel has commenced and it may be possible to appoint a replacement to the stated position shortly. The replacement will continue the work of the previous incumbent of this post. Vol. 642 No. 3 Tuesday, 27 November 2007