Brendan Griffin
Question:105. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding sex education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43677/19]
View answerWednesday, 23 October 2019
Questions (105)
Written answers
I refer to the Deputy's recent correspondence regarding Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools.
Access to relationship and sexuality education is an important right for students. Schools have a responsibility to provide for this, importantly, in consultation with parents and having regard to the ethos of the school. Curricular provision for Social Personal Health Education (SPHE) and RSE across primary and post-primary level is aimed at ensuring that topics are covered in an age appropriate manner.
In April 2018, a review of RSE in schools was announced by my predecessor, Mr. Richard Bruton TD. The Minister asked the NCCA to undertake a review, not just of the content of the curriculum but of how it is taught in schools. The NCCA advises the Department and Minister in relation to the curriculum to be taught in our schools.
The NCCA were asked to look at a number of specific issues in respect of RSE and the curriculum, in particular the importance of consent and what it means. The NCCA also looked at developments in relation to contraception and at healthy, positive, sexual expression and relationships, safe use of the Internet, social media and its effects on relationships and self-esteem, and LGBTQ+ matters.
The NCCA has conducted a thorough and transparent review, and has published a draft report of its findings in July 2019.
The draft Report has been developed on foot of extensive consultation which was conducted between June 2018 and March 2019. There was widespread participation in this phase of the consultation which included:
- 7,891 parental responses; including 3,300 National Parents Council Primary and 553 National Parents Council post-primary responses (the remainder of responses were directly sent to the NCCA)
- Engagement with 512 young people, 1333 teachers, via online responses
- Focus groups with over 600 children and young people, teachers, parents and school leaders within school settings
- Participation from 51 organisations at a Symposium on RSE in November 2018
- Meetings with 63 organisations and individuals
- 65 written submissions
- Consultation event with 77 young people from Comhairlí na nÓg.
When finalised, the report will be provided to my Department, which is expected to be around the end of this year.
The draft report is currently open to a public consultation which will not close until 25th October, and anyone is free to contribute to this process and may do so through the NCCA’s website or directly to RSEreview@ncca.ie
A report onRelationships and Sexuality Education was published by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Skills in January 2019. This wide ranging report refers to a number of submissions from various stakeholders. It is important to note, however, that it the NCCA is the body which has statutory responsibility to advise the Minister on the contents of curriculum. The NCCA has considered the Oireachtas Joint Committee report as part of its review.
It is important to point out that no decisions have yet been made regarding changes to the RSE curriculum. Any misinformation that is currently circulating as to what will be in the RSE curriculum is regrettable.
Whatever is decided as a result of the review, the need to teach RSE in an age-appropriate manner with sensitivity to the diversity of needs and readiness of students will continue to be of paramount importance.
The entire focus of RSE is on preparing young people for adult life, on emphasising the importance of respect for themselves and each other, understanding the importance of consent and helping young people to develop and mature in a positive light.
I await the outcome of the NCCA review before deciding on what steps should be taken to improve the student experience of the RSE curriculum.
I hope that this helps to allay any concerns you may have had in relation to this matter.