Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2023
242. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education the plans she has to support children who may feel othered because they will be removed from classes that teach gender identity ideology; and if she will provide alternative teaching for children who are removed from these classes to ensure they do not receive less education because of their adherence to the scientific understanding of gender identity. [10703/23]
View answerIn accordance with Section 30 of the Education Act, 1998, parents have a right to have their children not attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parents. The manner in which any schools ensures that the right of a student not to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parents is a matter for the school concerned. The school must determine the particular arrangements which are most appropriate in its individual circumstances having regard to local issues such as available space, supervision requirements and how the school concerned organises classes etc.
As Minister, I am committed to inclusive education for all. My Department is fully committed to creating safe and supportive environments in schools, that are welcoming and inclusive for every student. My Department’s Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice (2019) promotes the provision of a whole-school approach to supporting wellbeing, an approach that has been found internationally to produce a wide range of educational and social benefits for individual children and young people, including increased inclusion, greater social cohesion, increased social capital and improvements to mental health. To support schools in this work the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) provides training to schools to ensure that the promotion of wellbeing is at the core of the ethos of every school.
NEPS has also developed training for school staff on the promotion of wellbeing and resilience in schools. If a school has concerns about a student, the school may request the involvement of the NEPS psychologist. The role of a NEPS Educational Psychologist is to support the wellbeing, inclusion and participation of all students in schools through the application of psychological theory and practice.
