Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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953. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when in 2023 that the primary curriculum framework for relationship sexuality education and social, personal and health education will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29192/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is in the process of redeveloping the Primary School Curriculum. A key document, the Primary Curriculum Framework which sets the foundation upon which curriculum specifications will be developed, will be furnished to my office in late 2022. Following my approval, 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. It is expected that the work of the Development Group will be completed in early 2025. Upon completion, the curriculum specifications will be furnished to the Minister for approval.

In the meantime, 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.

An updated resource portal and toolkit for teachers has also been developed which is supporting teachers in topics including:

- Teaching about consent

- Using inclusive and respectful language

- Supporting children living with domestic violence and abuse

- Fostering positive relationships

- Taking care of my body

- Growing and changing.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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954. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the current opt-out choice for parents in relation to relationship sexuality education and social, personal and health education curricula in schools; her views that this is a viable option given that the Department is moving to update the curricula; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29193/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Access to Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is an important right for students. This is reflected in the Programme for Government which states that this Government will develop inclusive and age appropriate curricula for RSE and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) across primary and post-primary schools. My Department continues to advance work in this regard.

SPHE is a mandatory curriculum subject in all primary schools and in post-primary Junior Cycle. RSE is required at all levels in schools, from primary through to Senior Cycle. All recognised schools are required to offer the curriculum.

All schools are also required to have an RSE policy that is developed in consultation with the school community, including school management, parents, teachers and students as appropriate. The school’s programme for Relationship and Sexuality Education is developed and taught in the context of the school’s RSE policy. In addition, schools are required to teach all aspects of the RSE programme, including family planning, sexually transmitted infections and sexual orientation. It is important to note that the ethos of the school should never preclude learners from acquiring the knowledge about the issues.

As the Deputy has stated, under the Constitution parents are recognised as the primary educators of their child and are entitled to withdraw their child from education or specific subject instruction. To date, the focus has been on the redevelopment of the RSE curriculum, but as this process continues there will be further consultation and engagement regarding all elements.