Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:92. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the request for the NCCA to initiate a review of the sex education curriculum. [3219/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 23 January 2019
Ceisteanna (92, 93)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:93. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the NCCA has provided a timeline for a response with regard to his predecessor's request for a review of the sex education curriculum. [3220/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 93 together.
In April 2018, my predecessor, Mr. Richard Bruton TD, announced a review of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE). This review is currently underway and covers both the content of RSE curriculum and support materials, as well as the delivery of the curriculum to students.
Included in the areas for particular consideration during the review are:
- 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.
Given the scope of the request, the review will comprise of three inter-related dimensions:
1. Desk-top review of recently published research/studies in this area.
2. Consultations with key individuals and organisations who have responsibility for or who are working in this area.
3. Working directly with schools to examine the experience of RSE in schools and in class rooms.
A review of research was commissioned in June 2018 and a report was published in November.
A number of consultative events are being planned. The first was held on 27 November at Collins Barracks, Dublin and involved approximately 60 groups and organisations who have expressed an interest in or who are known to have an interest in contributing to the review.
Approximately 20 primary and post primary schools, representing a range of school types and experiences will be directly involved. The outcome from this strand of the review will inform recommendations in relation to the reality of the experience of RSE in classrooms and the experience of parents, curriculum gaps, implementation barriers and enablers, and support needs. Furthermore, there will be an opportunity for any school to be involved, should they wish, to facilitate workshops locally.
The timelines for the three dimensions of the review are likely to intersect somewhat but will also contribute and add to the progression of the review The NCCA intend to publish a draft report on the Review of RSE, which will be subject to further consultation from stakeholders. I expect a final report in Q2 2019.