Education and Skills Committee to examine sexual consent classes in universities

The meeting at 3:30 p.m. in Committee Room 2 can be viewed live here and on Android and Apple devices using the Houses of the Oireachtas app.

Expected witnesses include

• Dr. Pádraig MacNeela, School of Psychology lecturer at NUI Galway;
• Dr. Brian Gormley, head of campus life at Dublin Institute of Technology;
• Shane De Rís, president of Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union;
• Síona Cahill, president of the Union of Students in Ireland;
• Dr. Clíona Saidléar, executive director of Rape Crisis Network Ireland; and
• Officials from the Department of Education and Skills.

“The Committee seeks a better understanding of how the principles guiding sexual consent are taught to young adults in our universities. It is encouraging to see student groups taking a lead in this area. We hope to identify best practices and current approaches that require improvement,” said Committee Chair Fiona O’Loughlin TD.

“Questions will include whether the third level of education is the right time to introduce classes on teaching sexual consent or whether this needs to happen more at secondary level. Members also want to know more about how third-level institutions determine what should be taught and by whom,” Deputy O’Loughlin said.

"All members agree on the need to increase understanding of what consent means and to use the power of education to equip students with the necessary skills to communicate effectively, develop respect for each other and minimise the risk of inappropriate sexual behaviour."