Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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97. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the provision of training for relationships and sexuality education and social, personal and health education teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5181/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I am fully committed to ensuring every child and young person has access to modern, inclusive sex education.  The Programme for Government states that ‘this Government will develop inclusive and age appropriate curricula for RSE and SPHE across primary and post-primary schools, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships.’  This reflects that access to sexual and health education is an important right for students.  It is equally as important that this education meets the needs of students in their day-to-day lives and that it reflects models of best practice.

I recently announced the provision of a new flagship postgraduate programme to upskill registered post-primary teachers teaching SPHE / RSE.

This programme, funded by my Department and provided by Dublin City University, will provide a pathway for post-primary teachers to develop their pedagogical practice and leadership skills in teaching SPHE/RSE and will build capacity and leadership within the profession in this important area.

Fees and substitute provision will be covered by the Department and substitute cover will be provided to support participation.

The programme, delivered in a blended learning format, will provide substantial theoretical and practical continuing professional development for each participant.

In giving effect to the Programme for Government commitment, there has been a focus on the development of inclusive and age-appropriate curricula.

The NCCA was asked to look at a number of specific issues in respect of RSE and the curriculum.

A draft revised Junior Cycle specification was published last year by the NCCA and a consultation process was completed. The consultation took feedback from teachers, students and parents as well as from other interested groups and individuals.  The results of this consultation will inform the NCCA in finalising the specification and submitting it for approval, with the aim that is implemented in September 2023.

In relation to Senior Cycle, a background paper was published for consultation in October 2022.  It is expected that the draft Senior Cycle specification will be published for consultation in Quarter 3 of 2023.

RSE is a key component of the SPHE curriculum in primary school. The teacher support services provide tailored in-school support for RSE and SPHE in a range of ways that best suit the needs of the school. 

CPD provided by these Support Services includes the provision of seminars, online workshops and in-school support.  New CPD to support the new NCCA specification for Junior Cycle will be rolled out for delivery in the current school year.  

The role of the SPHE/RSE teacher is complex, with a range of sensitive topics addressed in the classroom. Teachers need ongoing, appropriate CPD to support them in this important work. Curricular changes at both junior and senior cycle level are imminent. The new DCU programme will take account of these changes.

The first students are commencing the programme in February 2023.  Further intakes to the programme will be offered in the future depending on demand.