Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister's opening statement paints a positive picture of the curriculum for early years' students and for those at post-primary level. It states that its core values are equality, inclusivity and diversity and that it must cater equally for all learners from all backgrounds regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, race or creed. That paints a positive picture of the situation out there but the ISSU was here last week to say that according to its surveys one in three students stated that they had not received any form of relationship and sexuality education during senior cycle. How can we make those broad statements when they do not reflect the situation for students and kids out there? How does it make the Minister feel to know that part of this generation and generations before them have gone through the education system with no reference to same-sex relationships or gender diverse students? How does that make her feel as the Minister for Education? Those are my questions in addition to my earlier questions about the DSGBV and the third national strategy for women and girls.