Unified call for drug education programmes in Leitrim secondary schools amid growing concerns

The growing popularity and normalisation of recreational drug use has prompted a call for Drug Education Programmes to be introduced in Leitrim secondary schools.

Cllr Cormac Flynn brought forward the motion, asking Leitrim County Council to coordinate and pursue funding sources to support the delivery of a Drug Education Programme across local schools.

“This should be developed with the cooperation of outside agencies, namely, but not confined to; the HSE, An Garda Síochána, North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Foróige, MSLETB and other relevant stakeholders,” his motion stated.

Cllr Flynn noted that the quality and delivery of existing drug education varies significantly, depending on the school or even the specific teacher delivering the programme.

“This is moving very fast and it’s unlikely that teachers are aware of all developments in terms of what’s happening in the drug world in the locality,” he said.

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He also highlighted student feedback, which suggests that they engage more effectively with external presenters. “Outside speakers are far more impactful when these types of programmes are delivered by them,” he added.

“There are only six schools in Leitrim and Leitrim would be a good place to start this. I think Leitrim County Council has an opportunity to become a trailblazer in this space.”

Cllr Flynn’s motion received unanimous support. Cllr James Gilmartin remarked that simply delaying a young person’s exposure to drugs can be beneficial, as they will inevitably encounter such situations during adolescence.

“Even communication and talking about it is important. We need to stop normalising drugs, it’s a massive problem and we need to talk about it. 

“It’s an issue that’s there and we can’t keep sticking our heads in the sand about it,” he added.

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In response, the Council noted that Foróige currently employs a full-time Drug and Alcohol Education Prevention Officer, who delivers high-quality drug education programmes for both young people and parents, promoting health and wellbeing across Leitrim.

This initiative is managed by Foróige and funded by the North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force. 

It serves young people aged 10 to 17 within their communities, focusing on empowering them to make positive and healthy life choices.

“The project focuses on Primary and Secondary Prevention Programmes, engaging in particular with young people most at risk of misusing drugs,” the response concluded.