Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy referred to first sexual intercourse at an age lower than 17. This is also, worryingly, associated with high levels of regret, STIs and crisis pregnancy. The teaching of RSE is, therefore, a hugely important element in the education of young people. It is a requirement of all schools, regardless of their ethos, that they should teach RSE.

We are conscious that schools need support to do that. They are supported through our support services for SPHE, guidelines and policy development on curricula are given to them and information is provided for parents. Just like in other sensitive areas of education, every school must have a policy on teaching RSE so parents know exactly what is being taught, teachers are comfortable and it is being done in the context of the whole school. Everyone has a responsibility.

The findings of this report indicate that because the number of young people between 18 and 24 who have received sex education is greater than older age groups, there is a recognition that it is happening, and the majority said it was helpful, which shows it is working. It must be kept under review. There are schools that do this not just within the context of relationship and sexuality education or the religious ethos of the school but through science from a biological perspective and special courses in transition year. The schools are tackling this but we will keep it under review.

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