Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will deal with the Deputy's final point first. I see no problem with the committee being part of the review process after the NCCA produces the guidelines. I acknowledge the role of the committee in terms of its observations and contributions. One thing I have learned from almost a year in this job is that there is a good diversity of opinion on the committee and it is very healthy and important that that is so. The committee faced challenging issues such as this head on. I acknowledge the work of its Chairman, Deputy O'Loughlin, and members and note their diligence and contributions on the matter. I also acknowledge the organisations and individuals who contributed to the work of the committee and, of course, the dedication and diligence of teachers in schools and the work undertaken in pursuit of making RSE fit for Ireland's young people.

The implementation of the second national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence goes hand in glove with this conversation and the production of curriculum guidelines.

Obviously, this work feeds into that. The clear message, which was referenced, is that we need intergovernmental and inter-agency collaboration on anything we do to prepare our young people for the new challenges that lie ahead. We must also be honest. Not all sexual education will happen in the classroom; the majority of it will happen at home. Young people are exposed to new ways of accessing information, for example with respect to violent behaviour, and new means of communication to get it. We must be vigilant around that.

The NCCA is currently carrying out a review of RSE on foot of a request from my predecessor, Deputy Bruton. I have asked the NCCA to consider the committee’s report as part of that review. It is important, and the emphasis on collaboration and partnership is critical if we want to get this right. The review will cover both primary and post-primary levels and include an examination of the experience and reality of RSE delivery in schools and how the RSE curriculum is planned and taught. At the heart of it is age appropriateness, which the committee referenced in its report, and taking account of the experiences that have been learned over the past 20 years. We are looking at an outdated and outmoded curriculum. The curriculum that was taught 20 years ago does not necessarily apply today. Teachers have evolved in their approach because of the complexities and realities they face in the classroom and, therefore, teaching has changed. We must listen closely to those excellent teachers who are grappling with this subject in their own way.

The NCCA review comprises a number of dimensions, namely, a desktop review of recently published research studies, consultation with individuals and organisations working in this area and an online survey to gauge the views of students, parents, teachers, etc. We will have a live public consultation on this up to 25 October to encourage individuals, groups and parents, many of whom have genuine fears about this to which we must be attentive, who have not contributed to do so. I encourage all individuals who have fears or concerns in this regard to use that mechanism of consultation. With respect to hearing the voices of students and parents, we are working hard, through the student and parent charter, to give a legislative voice to young people and parents. Unfortunately, that legislative mechanism will not be in place in time for this report in respect of which we hope to publish the guidelines by the end of the year. It is important we continue to be vigilant about capturing the voices of the students and the parents and listening closely to the experiences of teachers.

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