Niamh Smyth
Question:80. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will report on the recent announcement to teach transgenderism in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13946/23]
View answerThursday, 23 March 2023
Questions (80, 111)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:111. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if she will proceed with the Government's plan to teach primary school children about transgenderism against the wishes of parents. [13573/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 111 together.
The current primary Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum dates from 1999. It does not make specific reference to transgender or LGBT identities. It does value diversity, it is founded on principles of inclusion and it promotes the use of inclusive and respectful language. Teaching of SPHE and Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is an important aspect of the curriculum for all students. In that context, many sensitive issues may arise and the aim is to address them in a way that is inclusive and that is age and stage appropriate.
The Programme for Government commits to the development of inclusive and age appropriate curricula for RSE and SPHE across primary and post-primary schools, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships. Work to implement this commitment is ongoing, building on a major review of RSE in schools, completed in 2019 by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). Following the publication of the Primary Curriculum Framework, which will be the foundation for all curriculum specifications, on 9 March, the NCCA commenced work on the curricular area of Wellbeing in primary schools, which includes SPHE and RSE.
The development process for the new specification will include research and consultation. Consultation is a core feature of the NCCA’s work in developing curricula with a variety of voices reflected throughout the curriculum development process for all subjects. Members of Subject Development Groups are nominated by the partners in education and include representatives of teachers, school management, parents and other stakeholders in education, including co-opted persons with expertise in the area.
It is intended the public consultation on a draft primary wellbeing specification will happen next year, with the intention of introducing in schools in 2025. I would encourage parents, students, teachers and all other stakeholders to take part in this public consultation as this work progresses.