Vol. 459 No. 7
41 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Education when the proposed relationships and sexuality education programmes will be introduced into schools; the progress, if any, that has been made towards finalising in-service training regarding the programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18766/95]
The proposed programme of relationships and sexuality education will be introduced into schools on a phased basis during 1996. Planning for the introduction of this programme has advanced significantly.
I recently met the implementation group, representative of the partners in education, and discussed with them their progress to date and programme of work for the future. I stressed the importance of having in place a suitable programme of inservice training.
The implementation group has now completed the first phase of its work. It will shortly present me with a report in which the overall training strategy necessary to support the introduction of relationships and sexuality education into schools will be outlined.
Another essential element in the overall strategy is the availability of suitable curriculum guidelines. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has indicated that curriculum guidelines will be completed and available to my Department by the end of January 1996.
