Sir, – Fianna Fáil is apparently concerned that proposed legislation on the provision of relationships and sexuality education will impinge upon the "characteristic spirit of schools" (News, April 19th).
As a student who has come out of the second-level education system in recent years, I have seen at first hand the woefully inadequate standard of sex education in Ireland.
Perhaps if teaching about sexual consent and LGBT relationships changes the characteristic spirit of schools, it would be for the benefit of students and society. – Yours, etc,
ÉAMONN SWEENEY,
Enniscrone,
Co Sligo.
Sir, – Thomas Byrne of Fianna Fáil states that “Ireland has never legislated in law for a curriculum of any type”.
Perhaps if we legislated and did not leave sex education in the hands of the church, we would have a healthier societal attitude to sex, consent and healthcare for pregnant people.
Our former model of sex education is not fit for purpose and engenders a culture of both shame and toxic masculinity. – Yours, etc,
SÍLE NÍ DHUBHGHAIL,
Clondrohid,
Co Cork.