Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2019
22. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills on relationships and sexuality education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10864/19]
View answerI would like to thank the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills on producing a comprehensive report on Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE). The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is currently carrying out a review of RSE on foot of a request from my predecessor. I have asked the NCCA to consider the Committee's report as part of that review.
The NCCA review involves an examination of the curriculum at both primary and post-primary level, including:
- An examination of the experience and reality of RSE as delivered in schools,
- How the RSE curriculum is planned
- How it is taught and how parents are involved
- The role of the classroom teacher in teaching the curriculum
- The appropriate level of supports which are currently being provided by external providers, and
- The effectiveness of the continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities which are currently provided by the Department and other bodies to RSE teachers. A number of these issues have been raised in the report of the Oireachtas committee.
The NCCA Review compromises three dimensions:
1. A desktop review of recently published research/studies which was published last November.
2. Consultation with individuals and organisations working in this area and an online survey to gauge the view of students, parents, teachers, etc.
3. Working directly with schools to examine the experience of RSE in the classroom.
It is very appropriate that the time is now being taken to carry out a major review of how we educate our young people about relationships and sexuality. Issues such as consent, contraception and sexuality need to be taught in a way that not only acknowledges our changing society but also addresses issues that arise in society which indicate a lack of understanding of these areas.
It is vitally important that our Education system preparers our your people for life in an Irish society that values each individual’s sexual orientation, respects decisions regarding contraception and understands consent.
I expect the NCCA to complete its review in the second quarter of this year.
