Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Relationship and Sexuality Programme.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

459 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the proposals set out by the Adelaide Hospital Society recommending an information module on contraception as part of the relationship and sexuality programme in schools and quoting the success of such programmes in other countries; and the plans, if any, he has to act on the recommendation. [11735/98]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

The topic of family planning is included in the relationships and sexuality education, RSE, programme as one of the themes for senior cycle. The topic is considered in the context of the broader issues around relationships and sexuality, which include helping young people: to acquire information on methods of family planning; to enable them to form attitudes and values around sexual activity within a moral and spiritual framework; to develop a broad range of personal and interpersonal skills such as assertiveness, communication, decision-making and critical awareness towards the facilitation of responsible behaviour.

The RSE programme is a carefully balanced programme, and the themes in the programme are treated sensitively and in a manner most appropriate to the circumstances applying in the senior cycle situation in schools.

The programme is in the early stages of introduction into schools and I do not consider that it would be desirable to amend it at this time and, in so doing, to risk disturbing the careful balance which has been achieved over a number of years developing the programme. However, the programme, like all other programmes introduced, will be carefully monitored over the introduction and implementation phase with a view to making any necessary adjustments or amendments in light of developments.