To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 40276/11-15, to detail any plans his Department has to fulfil the priorities for Education, as outlined in the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety led draft Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Strategy, by introducing an awareness programme for use in post-primary schools.

The Department is committed to fulfilling its priorities under the Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Strategy.

In respect of post-primary programmes, Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) is a statutory component of both the Personal Development and Home Economics statements of requirement for Key Stage 3. At Key Stage 4, RSE is a statutory component of the Personal Development strand of Learning for Life and Work. RSE provides the opportunity for specific attention to be given to a pupil’s emotional wellbeing, health and safety, relationships and the development of a moral thinking and value system. The strand also offers a vehicle for exploring with children and young people sensitive issues such as domestic violence and sexual abuse in an age appropriate way.