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Education Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020

Thursday, 30 July 2020

Ceisteanna (18)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

18. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education and Skills if detailed plans will be provided of the implementation of the commitment in the Programme for Government to develop inclusive and age-appropriate RSE and SPHE curricula across primary and post-primary levels, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships and making appropriate legislative changes, if necessary. [18119/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government states that this Government will develop inclusive and age appropriate curricula for Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) across primary and post-primary schools, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships. This is a vital and sensitive area of education, and I am very aware that issues have been identified with the current curriculum. This work will be progressed as a matter of prority. 

This work will be progressed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). It will draw on the council's report on RSE in primary and post-primary schools which was published in December 2019.  The review was commissioned by my predecessor Richard Bruton TD who requested the NCCA to specifically consider LGBTQ+ matters among the areas to be covered by its review.

The NCCA report is based on commissioned research and extensive public consultation. It made a number of recommendations, including the development of a single integrated curriculum for RSE and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) in schools. Work on redeveloping the specifications for SPHE and RSE will commence next year and will include engagement with all the key education stakeholders, as well as a further process of public consultation before the new curriculum is finalised.  

The Council is currently developing interim guidance material for SPHE and RSE across primary and post-primary. These support materials will be made available in the form of an online toolkit. It is expected that these will be ready towards the end of this year. They will provide guidance on how the current curriculum can be approached in a more holistic way.

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