Ms Annette Honan:

That would not be fair to say because there is such a mixed experience. There are teachers in the system who have availed of a number of opportunities to upskill and are very confident and competent in teaching SPHE. We should acknowledge that. They would have attended all the available opportunities provided by the Professional Development Service for Teachers, PDST, and the Junior Cycle for Teachers, JCT, service. The HSE has done wonderful work in this area as well. Some of the NGOs have made a wonderful contribution to the professional development of teachers in this area. That includes groups such as BeLonGTo and Bodywhys, which deals with eating disorders.

I should not name anybody because I will leave people out. There is a range of sources and the teachers who are really interested in this area have sought them out. Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has done excellent work to support teachers with particular areas of the curriculum. Some teachers are highly confident while others might be teaching because they are timetabled for it, even without their consultation or consent.