Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is useful and clarifying but I am still a little concerned. In some of the conventions relating to the Constitution there are a lot of exemptions even in equality legislation in respect of education. The Constitution has changed and now also includes the rights of the child. There may be scope for re-examining the basic rights of a child in respect of well-being, safety and health, including sexual health. If we are looking at a new curriculum, we might need to look at some of that received wisdom and the issue of balancing. Members of the committee have drilled with great depth into the issue in respect of relationships and sexuality. We may even have written follow-ups as well. It is a matter that people have been trying to tease out. The witnesses have certainly been helpful. The development groups are interesting as well. I am wondering if school patrons are represented on the development groups as well as these others.

I will bracket those matters, though, as I wanted to focus on a different part of our guests' presentation and to really build on what others have been saying. We had young people from their representative groups before us talking about their experiences of education. Something that came up was looking further than just RSE. The fact that optional subjects do not get the same strength is highlighted. The change of CSPE not being an exam subject was also raised. We heard how the resources then migrate away from it. We are not just trying to protect people in terms of their relationships at an intimate level but also their relationship with society. CSPE is a really important tool for gender empowerment, addressing systematic inequality and facilitating full participation in all aspects of our shared public life on a gendered basis, in a place where a lot of stereotypes are embedded. The CSPE curriculum is being updated. I understand the NCCA is looking at the junior cycle but I refer to the idea of it being mandatory, which is really important.

Something else that was discussed and highlighted was subjects such as history and classics being important in respect of gender equality. We heard from students who talked about seeing just three women in their whole history course. Those women were mainly described in relationship to men. I like that this is placed alongside the issues in respect of gender, ethnicity, social class and even sexuality. For example, there are a lot of LGBT figures in Irish history who were really fundamental in the founding of our State. The witnesses will be aware that my group in the Seanad has brought forward the Traveller Culture and History in Education Bill 2018. We have discussed the decolonisation of curriculum. It is an international process that is happening in the way we widen and improve the way we do history. Could the witnesses comment on those points with the strongest focus on gender, of course?

I had some points on physical education but I will leave them aside for now. The statement refers to English texts as a key way of coming at these issues. Drama as a new subject will also be crucial as a form of empowerment. Youth theatres have done extraordinary work for many young people. Being part of a youth theatre at 15 was fundamental to my development and was really important. Is the NCCA engaging with those groups? Youth Theatre Ireland does in-service training. As a school subject, drama can become a space for challenging stereotypes and making people think about roles, literally. Could the witnesses comment on those issues?