Written answers

Tuesday, 5 February 2019

Department of Education and Skills

School Curriculum

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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258. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if assurances will be provided to parents that it will not be mandatory for children to be present in class when proposed changes to the content of the RSE and SPHE come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5633/19]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is carrying out a review of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools at the request of my Department. The review covers both the content of RSE curriculum and support materials, as well as the delivery of the curriculum to students. I expect to receive the report including recommendations from the NCCA this summer.

The Deputy may be aware that Section 30(2)(e) of the Education Act 1998 states that the Minister ‘shall not require 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’. However, the provision of adequate and up to date RSE to young people in schools is vitally important. The RSE provided in schools, coupled with education provided at home by parents, is associated with the best outcomes for students.

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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259. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to support measures to remove school ethos as a so-called barrier to the teaching of the RSE and SPHE curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5634/19]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is carrying out a review of Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE)) in schools at the request of my Department. The work covers both the content of RSE curriculum and support materials, as well as the delivery of the curriculum to students.

The review is considering a number of areas, including consent, what it means and its importance; developments in contraception; healthy, positive sexual expression and relationships; safe use of the internet; social media and its effects on relationships and self-esteem; and LGBTQ+ matters.

The NCCA in undertaking its review will examine how the RSE curriculum is delivered in different school types. This will likely involve consideration of a range of RSE policies and how they impact on the manner in which the RSE curriculum is delivered in different schools.

The NCCA has received submissions from key individuals and organisations who have responsibility for or who are working in this area. The NCCA has also held over 30 bi-lateral meetings with interested groups and individuals as part of its review . Work is now commencing with approximately 20 primary and post-primary schools to gauge opinions and experiences of Relationships and Sexual Education and this aspect of the review will help to inform recommendations in relation to curriculum gaps, implementation barriers and enablers and support needs. I expect to receive the report from the NCCA before the summer.

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