Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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48. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans in regard to sexual health and relationship education, including the areas of contraception and consent, in primary and post-primary schools. [49414/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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In April 2018, my predecessor as Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, announced a major review of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools.

This review, being conducted by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), is currently underway and will cover both the content of the RSE curriculum and support materials, as well as the delivery of the curriculum to students. The areas of contraception and consent are among those included for consideration during the review. 

The review involves an examination of the curriculum at both primary and post-primary level, including an examination of the experience and reality of RSE as delivered in schools, including how the RSE curriculum is planned, how it is taught and how parents are involved; the role of the classroom teacher in teaching the curriculum and the appropriate level of supports which are currently being provided by external providers; and the effectiveness of the continuing professional development (CPD)opportunities which are currently provided by the Department and other bodies to RSE teachers.

The review will comprise three inter-related dimensions. The first involves a desk-top review of recently published research/studies in the area of RSE and publication of a research paper by the NCCA on 20 November. Consultations are also taking place with key individuals and organisations who have responsibility for or who are working in this area and a consultation symposium was held yesterday 27th November  in Collins Barracks. The third dimension involves working directly with schools to examine the experience of RSE in the schools and in classrooms.

It is very appropriate that the time is now being taken to carry out a major review of how we educate our young people about relationships and sexuality.  Issues such as consent, contraception and sexuality need to be taught in a way that not only acknowledges our changing society but also addresses issues that arise in society which indicate a lack of understanding of these areas.  

I expect the NCCA to complete its review in the second quarter of next year.