Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Social, Personal and Health Education programme in post-primary schools provides opportunities for students to explore issues relating to sex trafficking and prostitution within a framework of respect, rights and responsibilities. The focus is on equipping students with the knowledge, skills and values to stay safe through discussion of topics such as Feeling Threatened, Recognising Unsafe Situations, Violence and Help Agencies.

The Civic Social and Political Education programme also provides opportunities for the discussion of issues relating to sex trafficking and prostitution within a Human Rights framework. The manner in which such issues are explored is contingent on the students' needs and the age-appropriateness of the content. The introduction of additional programmes or seminars is a matter for individual schools. However, national and international research has shown that the qualified classroom teacher is the best placed professional to work sensitively and consistently with students and that he/she can help, through imparting knowledge and skills, to influence students' attitudes, values and behaviour in all aspects of health education.

It is the responsibility of third level institutions to devise their own programmes mindful of the needs of their students.