Dr. Patrick Sullivan:

I thank the Deputy. We are very aware of the study in question and we had input in attending some of the focus groups related to it as part of the background context of that work. On teacher preparation, primary school teachers teach every subject and receive preparation in terms of teaching relationships and sexuality education. However, as we identified in our report on RSE, at post-primary level in particular, there has been a lack of opportunities to provide input, training and upskilling in this area as well. This is a sensitive area. One issue we found related to teachers' confidence to be able to sensitively address some of the topics, themes, discussions and misconceptions that come up in a classroom. It is also about their competence in relation to having the subject knowledge of the topics and conversations that come up and being able to address those in a sensitive way. There is also the matter of addressing any worrying or concerning views, beliefs and values that may come up in that regard too and being able to progress the learning. That was identified in the 2019 review and is corroborated by the research to which the Deputy. That goes back to Deputy Clarke's point about a systems response. It is about a system working together to enhance the provision of RSE right across our schools. Ms Honan will respond to the second point.