Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
954. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Education her views on the current opt-out choice for parents in relation to relationship sexuality education and social, personal and health education curricula in schools; her views that this is a viable option given that the Department is moving to update the curricula; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29193/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccess to Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is an important right for students. This is reflected in the Programme for Government which states that this Government will develop inclusive and age appropriate curricula for RSE and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) across primary and post-primary schools. My Department continues to advance work in this regard.
SPHE is a mandatory curriculum subject in all primary schools and in post-primary Junior Cycle. RSE is required at all levels in schools, from primary through to Senior Cycle. All recognised schools are required to offer the curriculum.
All schools are also 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. In addition, 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.
As the Deputy has stated, under the Constitution parents are recognised as the primary educators of their child and are entitled to withdraw their child from education or specific subject instruction. To date, the focus has been on the redevelopment of the RSE curriculum, but as this process continues there will be further consultation and engagement regarding all elements.
