Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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278. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason that the religious curriculum for primary school education does not include the Sikh religion; if he will consider its inclusion for future curriculum reforms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22004/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Currently at Primary level, Religious Education (RE) is one of 12 subjects in the 1999 Primary School Curriculum. It holds a unique position in that the responsibility for providing a programme of RE rests with the patron bodies of individual schools and not the State. There are a number of patrons’ programmes within the primary school system reflecting the diversity of patronage. Some of these are denominational or religious in nature, emphasising the place of children’s faith, spiritual and moral development in their lives. Other patrons’ programmes are ethical in nature and emphasise fostering children’s understanding of ethics and values.

In relation to the review and redevelopment of the primary curriculum, the NCCA is consulting on a Draft Primary Curriculum Framework which will conclude at the end of February 2022. The Framework aims to support the learning and development of children from different religious backgrounds and of non-religious backgrounds. The curriculum areas of Well-being and Social and Environmental Education present opportunities for incorporating this learning in the redeveloped curriculum.

Education of Religious Beliefs (ERB) and Ethics is being considered as part of the full primary curriculum review & redevelopment. The primary curriculum framework is due to be finalised at the end of this year, this will determine the individual curriculum areas and how ERB and ethics will be included in the redeveloped primary curriculum.