Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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173. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the opt-out arrangements for children in primary schools where parents choose to withdraw their child from the new relationships and sexuality education, RSE, curriculum under SPHE; if her Department has set out clear guidelines for schools on how such opt-outs should be managed; and if she will outline the current opt-out arrangements for children who do not participate in religious instruction, and whether similar policies will apply in respect of RSE. [53066/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The provisions of Section 30(2) (e) of the Education Act 1998 provide that a school shall not require a student to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parent / guardian of the student or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student. It is expected that this right will be upheld by schools on foot of a parental request. Parents are recognised as the primary educators of their children and are valued partners in the education process.

The manner in which any school ensures that the right to not attend religion instruction classes is upheld, is a matter for the school concerned. Each individual 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. The Department has not issued specific guidance to schools to mange such requests.

Schools are encouraged to engage openly with parents who have concerns about aspects of the curriculum. Parents who wish to withdraw their child from particular elements of Wellbeing are advised to meet with their child’s teacher and/or school principal to discuss their concerns.