Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It might be useful if we could get, even in writing, a supplementary response laying out that timeline. I think we would all like the second level programme especially to be accelerated. There is also the question of opt-outs - for example, parental opt-outs - from these subjects. Maybe it would be as useful to get responses on those matters in writing because I will focus on a couple of other topics.

As for the curriculum reviews, the citizens' recommendations refer to a broad range of subjects that counter gender stereotyping and curriculum review in the widest sense that promotes gender equality and diversity. It would be very useful to know what review is happening in respect of the rest of the curriculum. We have heard about history lessons with maybe three or four women in them, geography lessons and other lessons. Often there is an embedded gender inequality. We have gone from a world that has had very strongly unequal systems for years, and they are embedded throughout subjects, even in the examples that are given and the framing. One thing that has been highlighted is intersectionally in, for example, the way in which women from African countries are framed or the way in which Traveller women are reflected. There is a whole set of issues to be teased out. It is part of the process of decolonisation of the curriculum that has been discussed and the reframing of the curriculum in gender equality terms. I am interested in that wider curriculum review and what is happening.

To take a break from SPHE, one specific area I am really concerned about is civic, social and political education, CSPE. It has been highlighted that, very recently, just three years ago in fact, just before Deputy Foley became Minister, CSPE ceased to be an exam subject at junior cycle level. We have heard that this meant it stopped getting the same time and attention and field trips were no longer happening. If we are committed to creating a more gender-equal society, it should be not just through the relationships or the workplace but also through the wider civic, social and political space, having our young people engaging early on with issues of equality on that basis. Is the Minister considering re-establishing CSPE as an exam subject at junior cycle level? That would ensure every child would get a foundation in civic, social and political education to a known level because of the exams. That may be an opportunity in respect of the CSPE curriculum. It is one way we could do a lot to address embedded gender inequality throughout society. It is a matter of wider curriculum review.

The Minister mentioned qualifications for those teaching SPHE, which are important and needed. However, what training programme is in place for the inspectorate, who will enforce the proper teaching of RSE and SPHE? I ask the Minister to comment on the training plans for inspectorates.

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