Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 118:

In page 52, between lines 20 and 21, to insert the following: "(ca) for the avoidance of doubt, in paragraph (c)(ii) sexual conduct shall not be construed to include educational materials which feature discussion of sexual content and seek to provide education on topics such as consent, sexual health and relationships,".

This is a caveat to the same section we have been discussing. It is for the avoidance of doubt and makes it very clear that when we speak about sexual conduct, the limitations on the reflection of sexual conduct should not be construed to include educational materials that feature discussion of sexual content and seek to provide education on topics such as consent, sexual health and relationships. This is so we do not have a situation whereby the convictions and feelings of an audience about matters of sexual contact are weighed against a constructive role in educational materials or educational broadcasting. I say this in context of discussions with the Minister, Deputy Foley. The gender equality committee had a very detailed discussion on the absolute importance of relationships and sexuality education in schools. It is also relevant to online content on sites such as SpunOut.ie. Sometimes it has been through online broadcasting that people have accessed information when there has been very uneven information provision in our schools. It is to make sure we do not have an inadvertent consequence of the wording whereby it would be inadvertently construed as suggesting the impeding of educational materials.