Mr. John Curtis:

On the issues raised, any RSE programme has to look at the facts in all aspects of humanity and sexuality. We are very strong on that point, that that has to be the case. Ultimately, our schools are Catholic and, as such, have a right to determine that their ethos will have a say in how they are administered and governed and how programmes take place.

We are also very conscious that parental choice is very significant here and there would have to be consultation on the development of any RSE programme and how it would be delivered in schools. Any sound relationships and sexual education, RSE, programme must engage in all issues such as contraception and LGBT. As a management body, we work with Transgender Equality Network Ireland, TENI, on LGBT issues to ensure that school pupils are looked after and supported there. All aspects of humanity must be examined and dealt with. At the same time, we are Catholic schools, that is how we differ from the schools Dr. Gormley represents, and we are cognisant of that. We are keen to ensure our children are prepared for the challenges they will face as they embark out in life and that there is some moral framework or compass provided to assist them in that. That is very important.

A key point is that the issue of consent in relationships has come front and centre in this course in Ireland in recent years. Perhaps we have not looked at that as closely as we should have on what consent is and how relationships should develop. That should be to the fore of any programme being examined, remodelled and re-evaluated. There are caricatures of what Catholic schools are which do not reflect the reality. We are diverse and inclusive. We have to be discursive; in this day we cannot teach teenagers, which is what we do, without being discursive and open. I take the point that has been made about some of the student surveys which point to some difficulties that we have. We will engage with those through the RSE consultation process. I note that in 2010 when Comhairle na nÓg had a survey on this issue, that the Department reissued some guidelines to schools on RSE to which schools adhere. It is very important that we listen to the student voice. We need to learn.

I was starting off as a principal when the RSE programme began. We invested a lot of time and energy into discussions at local level with our parents, into liaising with the Department and management bodies as to how the programme would roll out. A lot of resources were put into it supporting those who might speak on RSE in schools or teach on that subject. Over time, perhaps because of cutbacks, we might have taken our eyes of the ball. That training and the urgency we had around the area has stalled and it is important that we re-examine it.