Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
459. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a programme (details supplied); if opt out mechanisms are in place for teachers or parents who are opposed to the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25584/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccess to sexual and health education is an important right for students. Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) is a mandatory curriculum subject in all primary schools and in post-primary Junior Cycle. Relationships and Sexuality Education (or RSE) is required at all levels, from primary through to Senior Cycle. My Department has set out the content for each of these programmes in SPHE syllabuses and guidelines.
All schools are required to have an RSE policy that is developed in consultation with the school community, including school management, parents, teachers and students as appropriate. The school’s programme for Relationship and Sexuality Education is developed and taught in the context of the school’s RSE policy. Schools are required to teach all aspects of the RSE programme, including family planning, sexually transmitted infections and sexual orientation. It is important to note that the ethos of the school should never preclude learners from acquiring the knowledge about the issues, but ethos may influence how that content is treated.
I also note Section 30.2 (e) of the Education Act 1998 provides that parents have a right to have their children opt out of instruction in any subject contrary to their conscience if they so wish.
My Department continues to work closely with the NCCA to determine the approach to best give effect to the commitment in the Programme for Government to develop an inclusive and age-appropriate RSE and SPHE curricula across primary and post-primary levels, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships. In this regard, the NCCA have recently published learning resources linked to the Primary SPHE Curriculum on their online toolkit which supports teaching and learning linked to the current curriculum; and work on developing a new Junior Cycle curriculum begins in September. Should any legislative changes be required I am committed to making such changes, as set out in the Programme for Government.
