Vol. 497 No. 6
45 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools implementing the relationships and sexuality education programme in schools; if he has satisfied himself at the rate of implementation of the programme; when all schools will be implementing the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25791/98]
115 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools not operating the relationships and sexuality education programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25830/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 115 together.
Information on the number of schools implementing relationships and sexuality education is currently being collected. A questionnaire for this purpose has issued to schools and the replies are currently being returned and collated. The preliminary results of the first 1,062 questionnaires returned from primary schools show that 74 per cent of schools have set up their RSE policy committees. This is the first stage in implementing an RSE programme in a school. Already some 54 per cent of primary schools have indicated their intention to teach the RSE programme in some or all classes in the current school year.
The preliminary results of the first 88 of the 250 responses received so far at post-priinary level show that 83 per cent of schools have set up RSE policy committees and 81 per cent have indicated their intention to teach the RSE programme in some or all classes in the current school year.
This progress is encouraging. It must be noted that the process of policy formulation through partnership is a relatively new experience for many school communities. Many schools have found this process to be a valuable and rewarding experience as they discussed their vision for the children's education, enunciated school ethos and debated the issues involved.
