Vol. 489 No. 5
138 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools providing the relationship and sexuality education programme; the number of schools expected to provide the programme from September 1998; the number of schools refusing to provide the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8431/98]
Schools are at different stages in the introduction of relationships and sexuality education RSE. In the case of many schools, the policy development process is beginning. My Department has provided a number of supports for schools in this work: information seminars have been held for chairpersons of boards of management and for parents, and support documentation, including guidelines for the development of policy and a newsletter, have issued to all schools. Policy development seminars are due to begin shortly. As the overall implementation process moves further forward, specific data in relation to the implementation of the programme will be collected.
The introduction and implementation of RSE is being monitored through the RSE implementation Group, established to provide a forum for ongoing discussion between my Department and the partners in education. In addition, the implementation of RSE in schools will, like any other area of the curriculum, be monitored through the inspectorate.
