Vol. 487 No. 2
26 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the implementation of the relationship and sexuality education programme in schools; if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by teacher unions and parent associations regarding the delays in implementing the programme; the steps, if any, he will take to expedite it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3502/98]
I expect the majority of schools will introduce programmes of relationships and sexuality education RSE during the 1997-98 school year. Schools are at different stages in the implementation of RSE. Some schools have been teaching such programmes for many years; others are in the process of preparing for the introduction of the programme.
Introduction of a programme of relationships and sexuality education in a school is a process, involving a number of stages. Schools make progress through the stages at different rates. I believe that this is the most effective way of moving forward.
The first step is the development of a school policy, which is the product of a collaborative process between school management, teachers and parents. When approved by the board of management, this policy, together with the curriculum and guidelines drawn up by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, and approved by my Department, will guide the school staff in drawing up a school-based programme. The majority of schools are currently involved in developing school policies.
All the partners in education, including the teacher unions and parent associations, have been consulted from the outset on all matters relating to the implementation of relationships and sexuality education, and are currently members of the implementation group established by my Department to oversee the implementation of the programme. None of the partners has brought concerns about the pace of implementation to the attention of the implementation group.
I can assure the Deputy that I have ensured that all the necessary supports have been put in place to assist schools in preparing for the introduction of relationships and sexuality education. Most recently, I have requested my Department, in consultation with the partners on the implementation group, to prepare a newsletter detailing progress to date and the supports available, for issue to schools and parents. The newsletter will be disseminated to schools in the coming days. I will arrange for a copy of the newsletter to be forwarded to the Deputy.
