Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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168. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is fully aware of the explicit content of learning in the new Junior Cycle SPHE course; if she is in agreement with the learning content around relationships and sexuality; if she deems the entire content to be age appropriate for 12-14-year-old children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39625/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The new Junior Cycle SPHE specification was introduced in schools for those entering first year in September 2023.

The aim of the course is to build students’ self-awareness and positive self-worth; to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, dispositions and values that will support them to lead fulfilling and healthy lives; empower them to create, nurture and maintain respectful and loving relationships with self and others; and enhance their capacity to contribute positively to society.

The specification consists of four strands: Understanding Myself and Others; Making Healthy Choices; Relationship and Sexuality; and Emotional Wellbeing.

Teaching and learning is age and stage appropriate, based on research and informed by the extensive consultation.

Learning outcomes over the three years of Junior Cycle range from communicating in a respectful and effective manner, to appreciating the importance of setting healthy boundaries, considering the impact of stress and techniques to manage day to day stresses, and learning outcomes dealing with alcohol, smoking and other addictive substances.

Sensitive topics such as the influence of pornography are also addressed but it is important to be clear that in this regard, key messages would be that pornography is not a good place to go to learn about sex, that it can be disturbing and even damaging for young people, and that it is incompatible with values of human dignity, respect and gender equality. No inappropriate graphic or explicit material should ever be used in a classroom setting.

The curriculum specification is published on curriculumonline.ie and I would urge all interested parties to view the full specification, including aim, rationale and learning outcomes, for themselves.

It should also be noted that, 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.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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169. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the level of consultation with all stakeholders that is being undertaken in regard to the learning content to be included in 'My Wellbeing Journey 3 – second edition' of the new Junior Cycle SPHE course, due to be published in spring 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39626/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The Curriculum specification and prescribed material for any subject are determined by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) www.ncca.ie. It is the responsibility of each individual school to select the resources (other than prescribed material) that it will use to support its implementation of the curriculum. Any concerns regarding material published in textbooks should be raised with the publisher themselves. The Department does not have any role in respect of the publication or selection or textbooks.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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170. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39627/24]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The new Junior Cycle SPHE specification was introduced in schools for those entering first year in September 2023.

I can assure the Deputy that the curriculum categorically does not expose children to graphic or explicit content.

The aim of the course is to build students’ self-awareness and positive self-worth; to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, dispositions and values that will support them to lead fulfilling and healthy lives; empower them to create, nurture and maintain respectful and loving relationships with self and others; and enhance their capacity to contribute positively to society.

The specification consists of four strands: Understanding Myself and Others; Making Healthy Choices; Relationship and Sexuality; and Emotional Wellbeing. Teaching and learning is age and stage appropriate, based on research and informed by the extensive consultation.

Learning outcomes over the three years of Junior Cycle range from communicating in a respectful and effective manner, to appreciating the importance of setting healthy boundaries, considering the impact of stress and techniques to manage day to day stresses, and learning outcomes dealing with alcohol, smoking and other addictive substances. Sensitive topics such as the influence of pornography are also addressed. It is important to be clear that in this regard, key messages would be that pornography is not a good place to go to learn about sex, that it can be disturbing and even damaging for young people, and that it is incompatible with values of human dignity, respect and gender equality.

The NCCA has also published a toolkit of resources which includes guidance for the teaching of SPHE. One of the resources deals with ground rules for how the SPHE class will work together, taking into account respect people’s privacy, establishing appropriate boundaries and child protection and safeguarding. There is no suggestion that students should be asked not to discuss SPHE teaching and learning with their parents, who are the primary educators of their children. Indeed, the NCCA’s Presentation for Parents on Junior Cycle SPHE, which is published on www.ncca.ie, notes that conversations between parents and students are really important and that topics covered in the SPHE class can often provide an opportunity for parents to open up conversations on SPHE-related matters.

The curriculum specification is published on curriculumonline.ie and I would urge all interested parties to view the full specification, including aim, rationale and learning outcomes, for themselves.

It should also be noted that, 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.