I am aware from the work we are doing with the NCCA relating to the revision of the primary language curriculum and the senior cycle curriculum that it also has extensive engagement in carrying out international research and seeking to identify best practice in Europe and elsewhere. For example, with regard to the current review of the senior cycle curriculum, which would include a review of SPHE and RSE, the first part of that work has been a research phase examining the curriculum provision in approximately a dozen countries, both in Europe and further afield, to identify what does and does not work in those areas. It is important to point out that what works in one country does not automatically work in another and the particular circumstances of the country must be taken into account. The policy advice that is received by the Minister and the Department from the NCCA would have been through a very extensive consultation process and would be informed by the views of all the players in a particular area.

On the distinction between the programme of SPHE and RSE that is delivered in schools and the issue of the Catholic ethos, as I said in the opening statement and in response to the first question from Deputy O'Reilly, all schools are required to deliver the SPHE and RSE programme. The Department and the inspectorate would be concerned if, when the inspectorate visits schools, the programme is not being delivered. My inspector colleagues can comment further on that, but the feedback from the inspectorate's visits to schools is that the programme is being delivered in full. There are some cases where the RSE policy needs to be finalised but the programme is delivered in full. That is an important point.