Written Answers Nos. 1-13
6. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will report on the implementation of consent courses in youth organisations and youth clubs (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45879/18]
View answerI fully support the inclusion of sexual consent courses in our schools, youth organisations and clubs.
Through Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, my Department actively supports the Manuela Programme aimed at 15-16 year olds.
Developed in partnership with the Rape Crisis Network and the Manuela Foundation the programme focuses on healthy relationships, awareness and understanding of consent.
During the course of six weeks students are asked to challenge ideas of what consent is, debate their opinions on sexual violence and examine how it affects them in their lives.
The sessions also explore a range of ways to prevent sexual violence from happening. This includes developing a shared respect for boundaries, the right to say no and bodily integrity.
In the first half of this year this has reached 45-schools.
We intend reaching 1,500 transition students during the year.
It is envisioned that out of this work an evidence based quality assured programme aimed at preventing sexual violence will be included in mainstream education.
As Minister I am also greatly encouraged by the large numbers of young people learning about consent through projects in local youth clubs.
My Department also provides funding to the B4U Decide Sexual Health Programme in the youth sector.
This 16 session programme trains our youth leaders is to support young people to delay the onset of early sex until they feel ready.
In terms of responding to the needs of victims of Domestic Sexual and Gender based Violence a further €1.5m has been secured in Budget 2019 – building on the increases of recent years.
