Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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121. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the manner in which young persons are educated about sex and issues such as abortion in secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6634/14]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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128. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the precise guidelines and regulations schools must adhere to in the delivery of sex education to pupils; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some schools invite external organisations to provide sex education based on religious beliefs and practice which may be contrary to proper medical advice without seeking parental consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9138/14]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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140. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is concerned at some of the lessons that are being taught to children by external groups in schools for sex education; and if he is concerned at some of the teaching methods they use which have been the subject of recent media reports. [9162/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 128 and 140 together.

All schools are required to develop and implement a Relationships and Sexuality (RSE) programme at junior cycle and senior cycle in post-primary schools. RSE includes the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, and the development of attitudes, beliefs and values about relationships, sexual identity and intimacy.

Post-primary schools are required to teach all aspects of the RSE programme, as set out in the curricular documents that have been provided, within the ethos and value system of the school. Such a programme provides opportunity to explore with students the topic of pregnancy including issues relating to unplanned pregnancy and contraception.

There is no explicit provision in the RSE programme for exploring the topic of abortion. The issue may arise in discussion of other topics such as pregnancy including unplanned pregnancy. Where this occurs, the expectation is that it would be discussed within the context of the school's RSE policy and giving due regard to current legislation. The manner in which such issues are explored is contingent on the students' needs and the age-appropriateness of the content.

My Department has advised schools that if they wish to enhance RSE by inviting visitors to the classroom precise criteria must apply. My Department stipulates that it is of the utmost importance that classroom teachers remain in the classroom with the students and retain a central role in delivery of the core subject matter of the RSE programme. The presence of the classroom teacher should ensure that the school follows appropriate procedures for dealing with any issues that may arise as a result of the external inputs.