The language in a papal document which outlines the position of Catholic schools in relation to sex education is like "something from another century", an Oireachtas committee has been told.
As part of a review of the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) module in schools, the Oireachtas Education Committee heard today from the Joint Managerial Body, which represents the voluntary schools sector.
In his opening statement to the committee, JMB General Secretary John Curtis said the position of Catholic schools in relation to sex education was outlined in a church document, Familiaris Consortio, which stated: ‘Sex education, which is a basic right and duty of parents, must also be carried out under their attentive guidance, whether at home or in educational centres chosen by them'.
However, Sinn Féin Senator Paul Gavan said sex education should not be watered down because of ethos.
"Even the language in the Familiaris Consortio document sounds like something from another century," he said.
Mr Curtis said parental choice was "huge in this" and they should be consulted on any how RSE programme is delivered, but he added that any sound programme had to engage with contraception and LGBT issues.
"All aspects of humanity have to be looked at and dealt with. But at the same time we are Catholic schools ... we are very keen to ensure our children are prepared for the challenges they face and there is some moral framework, some moral compass to assist them in that space," Mr Curtis said.
Solidarity-PBP TD Paul Murphy quoted a survey by the Irish Second-Level Students' Union (ISSU) which found that almost three quarters of secondary school students described their experience of sex education at school as 'terrible' or 'bad'.
Mr Curtis said this pointed to difficulties that exist that would have to be engaged with through the consultation process.
He also said that there was a need to adequately train and professionally develop RSE teachers in their own right - "developing expertise in every aspect of both the course materials and the likely questions necessarily arising in the classroom setting".
Mr Curtis said schools struggled with the speed of change in terms of the digital age, and were caught "like rabbits in the headlights".
Fianna Fáil TD Fiona O'Loughlin told the committee that the delivery of RSE is not included when schools are monitored for their Whole School Evaluation (WSE).
Labour Deputy Jan O'Sullivan said many parents had to send their children to Catholic schools because of their proximity but they may actually want a broader sex education provided.
The committee also heard from Dr Martin Gormley, representing Education and Training Boards ( ETB) schools, who said the content of the RSE programme is delivered in an "objective and critical manner that avoids any particular religious bias".
"We believe that all children and young people have the right to a high quality, holistic and inclusive relationships and sexuality education.
"The ETB position as communicated to the boards of managements of our schools is that RSE is about relationships, emotions and wellbeing", Dr Gormley said.
Independent Senator Lynn Ruane said that while the curriculum and guidelines might be the same for all schools, this was "just on paper".
