Vol. 513 No. 6
112 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools implementing the relationship and sexuality education programme in schools at the latest date for which figures are available; if he has satisfied himself at the rate of implementation of the programme; when all schools will be implementing the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3189/00]
April 1999 is the latest date for which figures are available regarding levels of implementation of relationships and sexuality education in primary and post-primary schools. Based on a 66% response rate in respect of primary schools and a 64% response rate at post-primary level, the data, collected in late 1998, indicated that 24% of respondent primary schools were already implementing an RSE programme, while 57% indicated an intention to teach RSE in some or all classes during the 1998-99 school year. Some 67% of respondent post-primary schools were already implementing RSE in some or all classes, and 78% indicated their intention to teach RSE in some or all classes during the school year. As regards current levels of implementation, it is intended that a follow-up survey will be conducted within the coming months, and I expect to be in a position to publish the results in May of this year.
I am satisfied significant progress has been made regarding the implementation of RSE in schools and I am committed to monitoring levels of implementation on an ongoing basis. The RSE training support service, which is funded by the in-career development unit of my Department, acts as a support to schools in this work, and continues to organise information seminars for parents and for boards of management; policy development seminars for school-based committees; whole school staff seminars; and the production of resource materials for teachers. In this respect, senior cycle resource materials issued to schools in September 1999 and the final set of materials, for 5th and 6th classes at primary level, are currently being printed and will issue to schools within two weeks. I expect that all of these activities are having a positive influence on the levels of implementation of RSE in schools.
As regards the time frame within which all schools will be implementing an RSE programme, it is not possible to be definitive in this matter. I recognise that schools are at different stages of implementation and that for many, the policy formulation process, which involves school management, parents and teachers working collaboratively, is a relatively new experience. Feedback from schools has indicated that this process has been extremely valuable for all concerned and I am confident that the range of supports being made to schools will speed up the process of implementation.
We need to continue our efforts to ensure that all children have access, at the earliest possible stage, to an RSE programme which enables them learn about their own development and about their friendships and relationships with others.
