Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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40. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will cease the promotion of transgender ideology in primary and secondary school curricula, given the extensive research from comprehensive studies such as the Cass report, which provides stark warnings on the issue, and the fact that it is being implemented without consultation with parents, teachers, or consideration of school ethos. [8599/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to the curricula for Social, Personal and Health Education (Social, Personal and Health Education), including Relationships and Sexuality (RSE).

The aim of these curricula is to help students to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, dispositions and values that will empower them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives, and to nurture respectful, loving and caring relationships.

I am committed to continuing to implement these curricula for the benefit of our children and young people, and to ensuring resources and training are provided for their effective delivery as set out in the Programme for Government.

At Junior Cycle, a new curriculum specification for SPHE was introduced for first years in September 2023. An updated Senior Cycle SPHE specification has recently been published. Schools have until 2027 to introduce this new specification for all students. Discussion of identity, which can include gender identity, is referenced within some of the learning outcomes in these specifications, recognising that it is essential that teaching and learning in this area, and across the curriculum, is inclusive of all students, regardless of background, ethnicity and gender. I invite the Deputy to review both specifications, and information notes for parents, at curriculumonline.ie.

A draft Primary Wellbeing specification, which includes SPHE, is now being finalised following public consultation which took place from March to June last year. The draft can also be seen at curriculumonline.ie.

I can reassure the Deputy that public consultation is a core element in the development of curricula. Extensive public consultation has taken place on all the SPHE curriculum specifications referenced above. The consultation reports can be read on .

Also, 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 their conscience, if they so wish.