Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

87. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the NCCA will report on the updating of the sex education curriculum; and when its recommendations will be implemented. [26969/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In April 2018, a review of Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) in schools was announced. This review is currently underway by the NCCA and covers both the content of RSE curriculum and support materials, as well as the delivery of the curriculum to students.

Included in the areas for particular consideration during the review are:

- 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

- LGBTQ+ matters.

Given the scope of the request, the review is comprised of three inter-related dimensions

1. Desk-top review of recently published research/studies in this area.

2. Consultations with key individuals and organisations who have responsibility for or who are working in this area.

3. Working directly with schools to examine the experience of RSE in schools and in classrooms.

A review of research was commissioned in June 2018 and a report on this was published in November 2018.

A consultative event was held on 27 November 2018 at Collins Barracks, Dublin and involved approximately 60 groups and organisations who have expressed an interest in or who are known to have an interest in contributing to the review.

Approximately 20 primary and post primary schools, representing a range of school types and experiences are directly involved in the review. Consultations are taking place with students, parents and teachers.

The NCCA Council are due to consider a draft of the report. When agreed by the Council, the report will form the basis of a further round of public consultation this year, after which the NCCA Council will agree a final report to be sent to the Minister.