An Cathaoirleach: I am delighted to open the 11th public meeting of the joint committee. Today we will focus on supporting teachers in youth drugs education and prevention in schools. We are joined by Mr. John Conneely, assistant general secretary, education and research and Mr. Richard Bell, president, Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland, ASTI; Mr. David Duffy, education and research officer and Mr. Anthony Quinn, president, Teachers Union of Ireland, TUI; and Mr. John Boyle, general secretary and Ms Anne Horan, president, Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO. All of our witnesses are very welcome.

Mr. John Conneely: I thank the Cathaoirleach. As Ireland's main second level teaching union representing 21,000 teachers and principals, ASTI welcomes the chance to speak with the committee today about drug use among young people. Every day teachers see how this issue affects students' well-being, learning and family life. Our submission reflects what teachers experience in classrooms and school communities and includes the findings of national research, including the Citizen's Assembly on Drugs Use and the Growing Up in Ireland study.

Schools play an important role in education and prevention. However, drug use is linked to wider social and personal challenges, including mental health, family pressures, disadvantage and community factors. Schools cannot take on responsibilities that properly belong to health, youth and social services. A coordinated system-wide response is needed. It is important to understand the pressures faced by young people. The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use describes drug use in Irish society as wide-ranging, complex and multifaceted. It highlights the fact that vulnerable and disadvantaged young people face greater risks and that stigma often stops young people from seeking help early. Teachers see this complexity every day. Warning signs like withdrawal from friends, falling motivation, tiredness, rising anxiety or lack of concentration, often appear long before any confirmed substance use. Many students experiencing difficulties with drugs are already dealing with emotional strain, conflict at home or unmet mental-health needs. The Growing Up in Ireland study shows the scale of the issue. By age 17 to 18, 30% have tried cannabis, 90% have consumed alcohol and a smaller but notable minority have tried substances such as cocaine or ecstasy. These behaviours rarely emerge suddenly. Growing Up in Ireland findings show that children who struggle academically, socially or emotionally at age nine to 13 are much more likely to engage in risky behaviours at age 17 to 18. Drug use is often the result of difficulties that began years earlier. Inequality is also a major factor. Young people in lower-income households report poorer health, more chronic illness and higher exposure to risk. Teachers witness the effect of these disadvantages every day...

[Click here for the full debate on the Oireachtas website]

View the video of the session [18 December 2025, begins at about 25 minutes]

Open statements (PDFs):

• John Coneely, Assistant General Secretary/ Education and Research, Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland
• David Duffy, Education and Research Officer, Teachers’ Union of Ireland
• John Boyle, General Secretary, Irish National Teachers’ Organisation