THE Minister for Health has said primary school pupils should be warned about illegal drugs. Mr Michael Noonan cited a study of smoking patterns among young people which showed that by the time pupils entered secondary schools, it was "too late to change "their habits". He said the same could apply to illegal drug use.
At the same time a National Parents' Council spokesman, Mr Nick Killian, called for more Government action against drug dealers. He said he wanted the Minister for Justice Ms Owen, to "put these scumbags who prey on our children into prison for a long time."
The Minister was launching a new information campaign about illegal drugs organised by the National Parents' Council and the VHI. The campaign, which is costing the VHI about £40,000, involves distribution through schools of 200,000 information leaflets to pupils aged between 13 and 15.
A further 150,000 leaflets aimed at their parents are to be distributed through the parents' council.
The leaflets for schoolchildren focus on the dangers in terms of health, work and travel prospects of illegal drug use. It barns that drugs can kill, and that users
. might get a criminal record
. may not be able to travel abroad to certain countries
may not be able to get a visa to emigrate
. might not be able to get a job
. might not be able to get life assurance or car/health insurance.
The leaflet for parents outlines some of the symptoms of illegal drug use, and is aimed at training them to recognise when their children may have difficulties with drugs.
The Minister, who is currently preparing the State's own information campaign, congratulated the VHI and the parents' council for the initiative.