Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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331. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated annual cost of introducing a comprehensive universal programme of sex education in all schools. [34560/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Section 9(b) of the Education Act 1998 requires schools to provide the curriculum as prescribed by my Department. Currently, that includes the requirement to provide a Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) programme for all students. The RSE programme is delivered in the context of Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) for students from primary to the end of Junior Cycle. A separate RSE Programme is in place for Senior Cycle.

Through RSE, formal opportunities are provided for students to acquire knowledge and understanding of human sexuality. The topics included are intended to develop in students respect for one’s own sexuality and the sexuality of others. It is a requirement that all aspects of the RSE curriculum, including those in relation to sexual orientation, contraception, sexually transmitted infections etc. should be covered.

There is the option to opt out of SPHE under Section 30.2 (e) of the Education Act 1998, which does not oblige any student to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parent of the student, or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student.