Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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945. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if young children in primary schools will be taught about transgender politics/ideology; if so, the scientific basis that exists behind the material to be delivered; if she will give references to the medics and scientists behind this material; the ages that this will be delivered at; and if parents will have the right to withdraw their children from these classes. [29044/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The current Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) Curriculum strives to foster an understanding and appreciation of all children. Through the curriculum objectives, children are supported to develop self-confidenceand a positive sense of self,and to appreciateand respect the diversity that exists in societyand to respect and appreciate human and cultural diversity. To this end, the curriculum aims to foster in the child a sense of care and respect for himself/herself and others and an appreciation of the dignity of every human being.

The SPHE curriculum also places emphasis on the use of inclusive and respectful language to promote a positive school climate where all children are valued, cared for and respected. Within the strand Myself, children are encouraged to see themselves as unique individuals and that individuality is expressed in many different ways. In the strand unit Developing citizenship where difference is celebrated, children are provided with opportunity to explore the diversity of the world in which they live, examine how inequality and discrimination can occur and suggest ways this might be addressed. This curriculum has been in place since 1999.

In 2019, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) conducted a review of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) at primary and post-primary levels. The full report from the review is available here: ncca.ie/media/4319/report-on-the-review-of-relationships-and-sexuality-education-rse-in-primary-and-post-primary-schools.pdf.

The review found that "The need to review the curriculum and bring it up-to-date is clear" (NCCA, 2019, p. 73). The following areas were specifically mentioned as needing to be considered and addressed in an updated curriculum:

- The effects of the internet and social media on relationships

- Self-identity and self-esteem

- Consent and its relevance to all interpersonal relationships

- LGBTQ+ matters

- Healthy positive sexual expression

- Developments in contraception.

In addition, the review found the need to provide clarity on topics which need to be addressed at different stages of children’s development ensuring they are taught in sensitive and age-appropriate ways.

The SPHE curriculum at primary level is being reviewed and redeveloped in line with the wider review and redevelopment of the entire Primary School Curriculum. A key document, the Primary Curriculum Framework which will set the foundation upon which curriculum specifications will be developed, will be furnished to the Minister in late 2022. Following approval by the Minister, the Framework will be published.

Work on the specifications related to the framework, including the curriculum area of Wellbeing (which includes learning pertaining to SPHE/RSE) formally commences in September 2022 with the establishment of Development Groups with responsibility for the development of the curriculum area.

Initial work has begun on developing the research base for the curriculum area of Wellbeing. NCCA is currently tendering for researchers to develop a comprehensive research base upon which the specification will be developed. It is expected that the research will be published in Spring 2023.

Building on the findings of the Review of RSE, NCCA is committed to developing an inclusive, age-appropriate curriculum that ensures that all children and young people can recognise themselves, their families and communities reflected across their learning.

NCCA expects to have a draft specification for Wellbeing published for public consultation in late 2023/early 2024.