Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take to ensure that sex education is available to all school children; her views on a recent survey which indicated that boys who attend all boys schools are unlikely to have adequate sex education provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21619/07]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the proposals there are to educate secondary school students about sexually transmitted infections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21622/07]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the steps being taken to ensure that all secondary schools teach relationship and sexual education which will also include teaching students homosexual relationship and sexual education in order to create a more tolerant learning environment in secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21626/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 144 and 156 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, many positive developments in relation to the teaching of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) have taken place in recent years, and these have been further strengthened through making Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) a mandatory programme for junior cycle since September 2003. In addition, all schools are required to have an RSE programme at senior cycle.

Schools are currently supported in the implementation of RSE by the SPHE and RSE Support Services which are provided in collaboration with the health sector. The supports available to schools include guidelines on policy development, curricula and teacher guidelines, information for parents, teaching resource materials and teacher training. Schools are also encouraged to utilise the resources produced by the Health Promotion Unit.

Earlier this year I launched the report "RSE in the context of SPHE: An assessment of the Challenges to the Full Implementation of the Programme in Post-primary Schools" published jointly by the Crisis Pregnancy Agency and my Department. The report highlighted widespread support for both the broad principles and the content of the SPHE and RSE programme from teachers, parents and health professionals and strong levels of interest and support from parents and students as to the importance of RSE in schools

The report also demonstrated increasing levels of implementation compared with earlier studies, with 76% of schools showing high or moderate levels of implementation, and with 90% of schools teaching RSE at some level. However, a clear need is highlighted to strengthen both implementation levels and consistency in regard to the content of RSE. The immediate priorities are to increase the levels of implementation of RSE and promote consistency in how the content is addressed. To this end, the following actions are being taken: remind all post-primary schools of their obligations in this area; update and re-issue the RSE policy guidelines and finalise a template on RSE policy in order to facilitate schools in developing and implementing RSE programmes; review and update RSE materials; develop lesson plans linked to a DVD resource on contraception, sexually transmitted infections and sexual orientation, in collaboration with the Health Services Executive and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency. (Contract has been awarded on this project); increase the level of information & training available to parents, building on a successful primary model and introduce a programme of subject inspections in this area with effect from 2007/8

The availability of a national curriculum in SPHE at junior cycle has played a vital role in supporting increased implementation of RSE. I am aware of the development work undertaken to date by the NCCA in relation to a Social Personal and Health Education programme at senior cycle. This is now at an advanced stage, and I look forward to receiving the NCCA's recommendations in this regard at an early date.

The Inspectorate has undertaken a thematic review of SPHE in 40 primary schools. [RSE is a component of SPHE]. In the context of this review, which is currently underway, the Inspectorate will ask parents of 5th year pupils for their views on the SPHE curriculum and it's implementation. Reports arising from this review along with a composite report will be published by the Department on it's website. I am confident that these initiatives will help to ensure full implementation of this vital aspect of social education regardless of gender mix within the school.