School Curriculum

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2019

Tuesday, 19 November 2019

Questions (101)

Joan Burton

Question:

101. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received the review of relationships and sexuality education by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA; his plans to publish the review; his further plans to enhance sex education in schools in order to promote education regarding consent, LGBTQI+ issues and navigating relationships in a positive and healthy way; his further plans to ensure that school communities, including parents are advised of proposed changes to sex education in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47488/19]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The most recent phase of consultation invited the public to provide feedback on the NCCA's draft report on the Review of Relationship and Sexuality education (RSE). The consultation was open from July 9th - October 25th with significant public engagement. 

All suggestions and feedback arising from this consultation will now be carefully considered and will inform a revised Report on the Review of RSE which will be presented to the NCCA’s Council in December 2019. I expect to receive a final report on the Review of RSE shortly thereafter. 

The process of redeveloping the SPHE/RSE curriculum has not started and when a new draft curriculum for SPHE/RSE is developed it will evolve through the normal NCCA curriculum development structures which include representatives from all the key education stakeholders.

When a draft curriculum is produced there will be a further opportunity for public consultation and the NCCA will publicise this via its website and through other media.