Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On the slow pace of implementation, I want to be very clear. I was referring to the pace at which the new specifications are coming on stream and the fact that it has taken considerable time to formulate the new specifications for the new curricula across SPHE and RSE.

Specifically on the issue of implementation in respect of information in our schools, I want to be very clear, and I was clear when I last spoke to the Deputy, that the curriculum is the curriculum and that every school has an absolute obligation to implement it as laid down by the Department. That curriculum, in the areas of SPHE and RSE, will include factual, up-to-date, current best-practice information. To ensure there is oversight of that, our inspectorate operates in our schools to ensure that whatever is laid down in the curriculum is being taught.

On bullying and bullying reports, I have determined that the inspectorate, as part of its school inspections, will now include a report on issues concerning bullying, how it is handled and issues of that nature within schools. It is now being charged with that specifically. From that, there will be excellent examples of best practice in our schools. When we speak of issues of this nature in our schools, we need to be balanced. There are excellent examples of best practice in our schools with regard to how cases of bullying are being handled. There are schools that could learn from that best practice. For that reason, the inspectorate now has an oversight role in this area.