Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 July 2018
71. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to implement a non-ethos based sex education programme in schools as recommended by the Citizens' Assembly; if such plans will encompass the issues of consent and LGBT+ pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29418/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn April of this year, I announced a major review of the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) curriculum and this review, by the National Council on Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), is underway.
The review will cover both the content of the RSE curriculum and support materials, as well as the delivery of the curriculum in schools.
Some elements of the current RSE curriculum are twenty years old and I believe that it is now time to carry out a major review of the curriculum to ensure that it is fit for purpose and meets the needs of young people today in modern Ireland.
In relation to the content of the curriculum, I have asked the NCCA to specifically consider a number of areas in conducting its evaluation. These include:
- Consent, what it means and its importance;
- Developments in contraception;
- Healthy, positive sexual expression and relationships;
- Safe use of the internet;
- Social media and its effects on relationships and self-esteem;
- LGBTQ+ matters.
I have also asked the NCCA to examine the experience and reality of RSE as delivered in schools. This will provide an opportunity for teachers, students, principals and parents to be consulted about RSE in their particular contexts.
Every student has a right to access information about sexual health, relationships and sexuality, and this must be delivered in a factual manner in every school, regardless of the ethos of the school. This review will help to inform decisions regarding the content of the curriculum and how it is delivered.
