My announcement in regard to the provision of relationships and sexuality education followed an extensive report on the matter by an expert advisory group, set up by me in April 1994 to advise on how relationships and sexuality education might be introduced into schools. The group, established by me following the announcement in 1994, sought and received over 50 submissions from interested bodies and individuals, which were taken into account in the group's work.
The report of the expert advisory group was referred to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment for its views. The NCCA is representative of all the partners in education. The NCCA considered the report between June and December 1994. Following consideration of the report and of the response of the NCCA, my Department has issued the report, and Circular number 2/95 (primary schools) and M4/95 (post-primary schools), to all schools.
I am satisfied that there is broad agreement in Irish society on the need for a programme of relationships and sexuality education in the formal education system. Support for such a programme has been articulated by Church bodies, educational groups, teacher unions and national parents' representative bodies.
I should also point out that many schools are already making good provision for relationships and sexuality education and for the wider aspects of social personal and health education, and many teachers are experienced in teaching these programmes.
I am now requesting schools to begin the process of developing their policies so that they may include relationships and sexuality education and wider aspects of social, personal and health education in their curricula in the school year 1995-96. I have asked the NCCA to prepare curriculum guidelines and teaching-learning strategies which will assist schools in this work by Easter 1995. My Department will continue to provide leadership, support and guidance by outlining the overall direction of relationships and sexuality education and by facilitating and supporting the involvement of the partners in education in planning for implementation.
I have no doubt that, with the co-operation of school authorities, teachers and parents, all children and young people will have access to good-quality programmes in relationships and sexuality education.