My Department has received correspondence from some of the groups the Deputy refers to in relation to the teaching of SPHE/RSE. However, neither I nor my officials are aware of any petitions such as those referred to by the Deputy.
Access to Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is an important right for students. This is reflected in the Programme for Government, which states that this Government will develop inclusive and age appropriate curricula for RSE and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) across primary and post-primary schools. SPHE is a mandatory curriculum subject in all primary schools and in post-primary Junior Cycle. RSE is required at all levels in schools, from primary through to Senior Cycle.
On foot of their 2019 review of the provision of RSE and SPHE in Irish schools, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) was requested to develop new specifications/curriculums for Primary, Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle.
A draft revised Junior Cycle specification was published for consultation by the NCCA in July 2022, with the consultation process running to October 2022. This specification was finalised based on feedback from this consultation and was published in May 2023. It will be rolled out in schools from September 2023.
The updated Junior Cycle draft specification provides clear direction on the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that all students should gain during the 3 years of junior cycle SPHE. It places a strong focus on the development of important life skills that young people need growing up in a fast changing and complex world.
The updating of the Senior Cycle SPHE specification is well underway and it is expected to be available for public consultation in Q3 2023. A background paper was already published for consultation in October last year.
Work on a Primary specification has now begun also, and that is expected to be available for public consultation in 2024, before being finalised in 2025.
