238. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to increase awareness and resources in schools in relation to dealing with the use of cannabis-based vapes among students; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Norma Foley, Minister for Education: My Department works together with the Department of Health and other agencies to support students in the area of health. The aim is to equip students with the skills and knowledge to enable them to make the right choices for healthy lifestyles throughout their lives. Schools have a role to play in supporting their students to develop the key skills and knowledge to enable them to make informed choices when faced with a range of difficult issues. This is mainly done through the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme.

The importance of making healthy choices is one that is reflected in curricular developments, in particular the new Junior Cycle SPHE specification. That was published on 16 May last, and has been introduced for first years in all schools from September this year.

The Learning Outcomes include that students should be able to investigate how unhealthy products including vapes are marketed and advertised, the consequences of using addictive substances whether now or in the long-term, and indeed skills and strategies to help them make informed choices to support their health and well-being.

In the consultation undertaken by the NCCA, both teachers and students identified that vaping is a growing and serious problem among teenagers and including this topic was seen as very important.

It can be noted that work is ongoing to update the SPHE specification for Senior Cycle and a draft specification was published for consultation in July this year, with the consultation running until 3rd November last.

Advice from the HSE in relation to vaping in schools was published and issued by this Department to all school principals at the end of May.