Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
306. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education the details of the number of complaints made to her Department from 2011 to date involving the issue of school ethos, including the way in which the ethos of the school has shaped the teaching of relationship and sexuality education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58302/21]
View answerThe records of my Department show that during the period from 2011 to date of request, 60 communications have been received which feature complaints involving a perceived restriction on the teaching of Relationships and Sexuality Education as a result of the ethos (or characteristic spirit) of schools.
The Education Act 1998 provides that boards of management of schools shall manage schools on behalf of patrons while “upholding the characteristic spirit of the school as determined by the cultural, educational, moral, religious, social, linguistic and spiritual values and traditions which inform and are characteristic of the objectives and conduct of the school”
Department of Education Circular 27/2010 requires that schools have a policy for RSE which has been developed in consultation with teachers, parents and guardians, members of Boards of Management and students. The schools must teach all aspects of the RSE programme, including family planning, sexually transmitted infections and sexual orientation.
The circular provides that all aspects of the programme can and should be taught within the ethos and value system of the school as expressed in the school RSE policy. However, it should be emphasised that elements of the programme cannot be omitted on the grounds of school ethos, but ethos may influence how that content is treated.
Access to RSE is an important right for students. Schools have a responsibility to provide for this vital aspect of education to young people. Importantly, a school’s RSE programme should be planned in consultation with parents.
The entire focus of RSE is on preparing young people for adult life, on emphasising the importance of respect for themselves and each other, developing healthy relationships, understanding the importance of consent and helping young people to develop and mature in a positive light. This will be done in a manner that is appropriate to the age of children.
Relationships and Sexuality Education (or RSE) is required at all levels, from primary through to Senior Cycle. The Department has set out the content for each of these programmes in SPHE syllabuses and guidelines.
The Programme for Government states that this Government will develop inclusive and age appropriate curricula for Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) across primary and post-primary schools, making appropriate legislative changes, if necessary.
