As set out in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to developing inclusive and age appropriate curricula for RSE and SPHE across primary and post-primary schools.
In giving effect to this commitment, my Department continues to work closely with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). I take it that the Deputy's question refers to the introduction of a revised Junior Cycle specification for SPHE. As the Deputy is aware, a draft revised specification was published for consultation by the NCCA in July 2022, with the consultation process running to October 2022. Both the draft specification and the report of the consultation are publicly available on www.ncca.ie.
The revised Junior Cycle SPHE specification, which includes Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) has been approved by the NCCA Council, and is currently being considered within my Department. The intention is that it will be introduced in schools this coming September with revised specifications to follow at Senior Cycle and Primary.
The aim of the new specification, which has been developed by the NCCA, is described as being to nurture students' self awareness and positive self-worth and to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, dispositions and values that will help them to create and maintain respectful and caring relationships and lead fulfilling and healthy lives.
In 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.
