Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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84. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way the withdrawal of children from the updated sexual education course on the forthcoming curriculum will be facilitated; if that will differ from the facilitation of non-religious children who wish to not attend religious instruction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14340/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In regard to religious instruction,  under the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, where schools provide religious instruction, they must clearly set out in their admission policies the school’s arrangements for students, where the parent or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student, has requested that the student attend the school without attending religious instruction in the school.

More generally, in accordance with Section 30 of the Education Act, 1998, parents have a right to have their children opt out of classes which are contrary to the conscience of the parent if they so wish. It is expected that this right will be upheld by schools on foot of a parental request.

As with religious instruction or any subject, the manner in which any school ensures that the right to opt out of a particular class is upheld is a matter for the school concerned. The school must determine the particular arrangements which are most appropriate in its individual circumstances having regard to local issues such as available space, supervision requirements and how the school concerned organises classes etc.