Mr. Eamonn Moran:

I thank the Deputy for her questions. I will answer one of her questions and another question is for my colleague in the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

I mentioned in my opening statement that the RSE may be taught as a distinct programme or delivered in the context of an SPHE programme or in another subject. I also gave examples, including religious education. There is a requirement that all schools ensure that all students get the RSE programme, unless parents have requested that their children do not receive an element of the programme. There is a requirement in junior cycle to have a minimum number of RSE classes per week and to have between five and six classes per year in senior cycle. The schools will be required to ensure that all of their pupils receive RSE.