Frances Fitzgerald
Question:1294 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools where the RSE programme is being taught. [2326/01]
Written Answers. - Educational Programmes.
April 2000 is the latest date for which figures are available regarding levels of implementation of relationship and sexuality education – RSE – in primary and post-primary schools. The data were collected by questionnaire. Based on a 66% response rate from primary schools and 46% from post-primary schools the data indicated that 40% of respondent primary schools were already implementing an RSE programme and 77% indicated an intention to teach RSE in some or all classes during the 2000-01 school year. Some 81% of respondent post-primary schools are already implementing RSE in some or all classes and 84% indicated their intention to teach RSE in some or all classes during the 2000-01 school year.
Frances Fitzgerald
Question:1295 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made in introducing the exploring masculinity programme in schools; the number of schools where it is being taught or delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2327/01]
The exploring masculinities programme is being disseminated to schools by the transition year curriculum support service. To date, in-service workshops have been delivered to transition year co-ordinators from 153 schools nationally. The in-service provision was interrupted due to industrial action but it is intended to complete this work as soon as possible. In addition, approximately 35 schools and Youthreach centres requested copies of the programme directly from my Department.
As the Deputy may be aware, I have asked the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, to undertake a review of the programme and this will include information on the extent to which schools are using the materials. Until the NCCA provides me with the report of the review, I am not in a position to supply the Deputy with the information sought regarding the number of schools where it is being taught or delivered.