Schools could be forced to adopt Stay Safe scheme

HUNDREDS of schools could be forced to offer pupils lessons in protecting themselves from child abuse despite opposition from parents.

The Stay Safe programme is taught to children from senior infants upwards in at least four-out-of-five of the country’s primary schools. But between 500 and 700 schools where it is not taught are to be asked for the reasons they do not offer the programme.

Education Minister Mary Hanafin has said she is open to making it mandatory if issues preventing its roll-out can not be addressed.