Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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368. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the implementation of a science-led and age appropriate relationship and sexual education programme that is mandatory across all publicly funded schools. [50373/22]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Schools are required to teach all aspects of the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) programme, including family planning, sexually transmitted infections and sexual orientation.

The Programme for Government commits to developing inclusive and age-appropriate RSE and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curricula across primary and post-primary levels, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships. My Department continues to work closely with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to give effect to that commitment.

A revised Junior Cycle SPHE specification, including RSE, was published for public consultation in July, with a view to being finalised by the end of the year so that it can be rolled out in schools in September 2023.

The draft specification places a strong focus on the development of important life skills that young people need growing up in a fast changing and complex world. This consultation is open until the 18th of October and I would strongly encourage anyone who has yet to do so to make their contribution.

Preparation to update the Senior Cycle SPHE/RSE specification has already commenced and a background paper was published last week for public consultation on the NCCA website. It is anticipated that the Senior Cycle draft specification itself will be available for public consultation by next summer, with a view to being implemented in schools in September 2024.

Following publication of the new Primary Curriculum Framework, expected in early 2023, NCCA will establish a development group for the curricular area of Wellbeing in primary schools. This development group will work on the development of an SPHE specification for primary schools, to include RSE, with the aim of rolling it out in schools in September 2025.

These timelines remain in line with international norms in terms of curriculum development.

In the interim, “online toolkits” have been developed. They include materials to support, for example, teaching about rights and responsibilities in relationships, interacting safely and respectfully both online and face-to-face, and so on.

Furthermore, as a teacher, I know that teachers must feel confident and well-equipped to teach their students. In April last, I announced a new postgraduate programme to upskill registered post-primary teachers teaching SPHE/RSE. Schools and teachers will be supported to access the upskilling programme and course fees will be covered by Department funding. It is planned that the programme will begin in 2023.