Mr. Eamonn Moran:

There may be other questions on youth services. In relation to the role of parents and the Deputy's strong view that parents must be involved, that desirability underpins our whole approach to the provision of SPHE and RSE in schools. It relates to both the development of the RSE statement by the school and the engagement with parents. It underpins the information provided at all stages of the curriculum regarding how parents can provide additional and complementary material as they see fit to their children. The RSE policy in school is developed in conjunction with parents.

In relation to whether we are sure we are providing sex education in the proper way, the RSE policy for the school needs to set out the rationale for the provision of RSE in the school. This must refer to the context and ethos of the school, the aims of RSE and, critically, details of how the programme will be delivered in the school. When the RSE policy is being agreed with parents, they will be able to see how the programme will be delivered and by whom, the particular modules that will be delivered, the role of the principal, the creation of a supportive school climate and culture, the consultation process with parents, parents' associations and students, the resources for RSE, the training for RSE and how the policy will be reviewed.

In relation to the review issue, the schools inspectorate, as part of its whole school evaluations, examine the provision of SPHE and RSE in schools. The inspectors report their findings and make recommendations for improvements in schools. In schools that do not have an RSE policy in place or where part of the RSE and SPHE curriculum are not being taught, the inspectorate will make recommendations as to how they should be taught. Follow up visits to the schools will ensure that those recommendations are implemented.

On bullying in schools, the Department has developed a number of anti-bullying policies. I say a number because those policies have had to be updated to take account of the increasing use of social media and the presence on social media of nearly all of our school children.