Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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501. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she is taking to ensure that only strictly age-appropriate teaching material is communicated to pupils at primary level; if she is aware of the concerns expressed by parents on this issue, which were communicated to her predecessor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3410/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I understand the Deputy's question refers to teaching and learning resources for Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE).

Teachers and schools can choose from a list of free SPHE resources developed by the NCCA. It is not a fixed list - teachers and schools can choose what works best for their students. These resources are hosted within the NCCA's online SPHE toolkits which can be found at:

Schools may choose to use a published SPHE textbook instead of the NCCA’s list of resources, and if so, parents are encouraged to read them. The content of textbooks is decided by each publisher. Should a parent have any concerns about a textbook, I would encourage them to speak to their school in the first instance.

The Deputy may wish to note that work to develop a new curriculum specification for Wellbeing at Primary level, which includes SPHE and PE, is currently being undertaken by the NCCA. This follows on from the launch in March 2023 of the Primary Curriculum Framework, which sets out the purpose, structure and content for the redeveloped curriculum in all primary and special schools. It highlights what is important in primary education and why; and sets out what should be prioritised in children’s learning. The development of four other Primary curriculum specifications is also underway. Public consultation on the draft specifications commenced in March 2024 and concluded in June 2024. The feedback from the consultation was subsequently analysed and two consultation reports were published in late 2024.

These curriculum specifications will be introduced from the 2025/2026 school year and will be implemented on a phased basis, over a 5-6 year period. Professional development opportunities will be provided to school leaders and teachers.

The teacher’s professional judgement plays a key role in identifying when an issue is age and stage appropriate for a particular class. Within the classroom, the teacher has a degree of flexibility to judge how particular topics should be addressed, so that learning takes place in a way that is meeting the needs and context of their students.

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.